Bermondsey Carnival is set to return this summer after being cancelled last year due to a lack of funds.
The age-old festival of music, food and workshops is scheduled to take place at Southwark Park on Sunday, August 6, from 12pm to 8pm.
Russell Dryden, manager of the Blue Bermondsey Business Improvement District (BID), said he was “99 per cent” sure the carnival would be back but that he was still looking for private sponsorship money.
“It will be something special this year if everything comes up because it will have a few more elements,” Russell said.
“To make it happen we still need a couple of funders.”
Russell said the Blue Bermondsey BID has been given £10,000 from Southwark Council’s ‘Cultural Celebrations Fund’, far less than the £80,000 the carnival historically received.
But Russell praised the council for helping to facilitate the event. The News also understands that the council events team helped broker a deal that means Rally Festival, taking place the day before, will allow the carnival to use its infrastructure such as stages.
So while £10,000 funding wasn’t enough for the carnival last year, it will probably be enough this time because carnival organisers can save on infrastructure.
Russell said: “It’s just lovely to have a community event. Not everybody can afford to go to big concerts.
“I remember when I was kid, it was a really good day out. You can see some live music and all cultures, all different people, can come together and enjoy the park.”
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The carnival’s history stretches back to 1900, during the second Boer War, when the Daily Telegraph launched a charitable fund to support the wives and orphans of soldiers killed in battle.
The carnival was established to raise money for this fund and soon became an annual event.
North Bermondsey councillor Rachel Bentley said: “It is a great relief to see that Bermondsey Carnival will be a key event in the calendar for local residents again.
“I am incredibly excited to see our community come together and make this event a success. It is now Southwark’s job to maximise the benefit to local business, charities and community organisations.”
