Egremont Crab Fair is in urgent need of help from the public.
While organisers are nearly finished planning this year’s event – they have warned that new people are needed to help keep the 756-year-old fair alive for years to come.
The plea for support comes after a number of committee members recently had to resign due to ill health.
Without a full group of organisers, committee chairman Callum Scott said planning and running the fair was extremely difficult.
He added: “We’re almost there with this year’s event, but we’ve lost a few committee members and we really need new people to join to help with both the organising and the running of the fair over the weekend.
“We’re also trying to find someone to run the dog show as the person who normally does it can’t do it this year.
“We are also looking for any business that can help with supplying a generator, lighting and crowd barriers.”
Callum added that fundraising has been a slight struggle this year and the team are also actively trying to raise money to save its annual Dancing in the Street event.
The committee needs at least 20 members for the event to run smoothly each year and young people are also able to get involved.
Callum said: “It’s a good chance for anyone who wants to do something good for the community and it is very rewarding.
“It’s one of the biggest events in West Cumbria and it’s family oriented, so both children and adults can get involved with helping out as we have juniors involved on the committee.
“We’re all volunteers and some people do little bits and others do more to help. All skills are welcome whether it’s people helping with IT or helping paint white lines on the field.”
Planning for the Crab Fair normally takes 12 months and committee meetings start in January.
Committee meetings take place once a month in The La’al Club in Egremont on Wednesdays at 7pm.
The team covers everything from entertainment and vendor booking to licensing and performance and overall programme planning – which also offers young people the opportunity to gain experience in event planning or volunteering.
Callum added that the committee would like to see people of all generations come forward with fresh ideas for the fair.
This year’s Crab Fair is set to be held from September 20 to September 22.
Those interested in joining the committee are urged to contact Callum on 07519 413231 via text message or phone call.
