ORGANISERS of Axbridge Blackberry Carnival say the event will go on next year after local businesses donated goods and services for September's parade. Tarnock Garage and the Axbridge Sports and Social Club have agreed to help pay for the running costs of

ORGANISERS of Axbridge Blackberry Carnival say the event will go on next year after local businesses donated goods and services for September's parade.Tarnock Garage and the Axbridge Sports and Social Club have agreed to help pay for the running costs of the event on September 23.The garage is also providing a convertible car to transport teenager David Birch - the carnival's first gay queen.Local manufacturers Yeo Valley will help to make the teas on the day for this year's carnival which has an Up Pompeii Roman theme.The move comes as costs for running the carnival have gone up from last year under the Government's new licensing laws.Organisers have had to pay £240 for eight stewards and £100 to Avon and Somerset Police to help patrol the event.Carnival treasurer Les Stanley said: "Local businesses and organisations have been very generous and it shows how important people feel it is to keep the carnival going. The donations mean that we won't make a loss this year and can plan for next year."We've had spiralling costs compared to last year and if we would've made a loss then we would not be planning to hold the event next year."Planning the carnival starts in January and we need more people to join the committee to organise things." The carnival organisers still want more themed entries for floats, cars, bikes, skateboards or walking paraders. For more details call Les Stanley on 01934 733121.