Romsey Town Carnival has been saved after residents stepped up to prevent it from disappearing, organisers have said.

The future of Romsey Town Carnival & Lanterns (RTCL) has been secured, according to its management team, after volunteers responded to a recent plea for new blood.

Prospective new carnival chair and Romsey resident Jamie Allen said: "We are overwhelmed at the positive response we have had after it was announced that we were facing the need to step back and not continue with the carnival committee. 

READ MORE: Sadness as Romsey Town Carnival & Lanterns fear closure

Outgoing chairman Jon Ray with Rose Ray in 2023(Image: Romsey Town Council) "We cannot believe how it affected the people we serve and the town we love, and the number of people who have come forward offering to help.

"It has given us a fresh approach and excitement about continuing to carry the flag for the very important groups that keep towns like Romsey alive with exciting events. 

"The new carnival committee would like to thank everyone, particularly the members stepping back, for working tirelessly to keep it going at the hardest of times through COVID and thereafter and as the newly nominated chairman I am eager to continue the traditions of the town with all of our amazing committee member and volunteers."

Prospective new committee member Caroline Goldsack said: "Hearing that carnival plans were in crisis, I was only too delighted to step forward alongside a number of other volunteers keen to ensure the future of events which are clearly so important and dear to Romsey.

"I'm sure that the combination of longer-standing members' know-how and new people's fresh ideas will be a winning formula."

Speculation had been mounting over the future of the carnival after its planned annual general meeting (AGM) for Tuesday, January 28 was moved.

Carnival chairman and Romsey town councillor John Ray said: "After being involved in the carnival for forty years it is fantastic to have new enthusiastic members joining the committee. 

"The old committee were really worried that we would not be in a position to carry on. A big thank you to Jamie Allen, who rallied around and got people enthused, which was brilliant. 

"I'm sure it will now go from strength to strength.  On behalf of myself and our outgoing treasurer, Sylvia Finch, thank you Romsey for all your help and support for the Romsey Carnival, Bed Race, Santa Run and all our other activities over the years.

"Romsey is a great town made greater by its residents, and our events are a fitting celebration of everything that makes it such a wonderful place to live and work."

RTCL said its team has worked tirelessly behind the scenes for many years to lay on much-loved events in the centre of Romsey to the delight of residents and visitors alike. 

READ MORE: Romsey Carnival: Civil leaders speak out in support

Many are long-standing organisers, such as outgoing Cllr Ray, who had been involved for around four decades.

The new committee, with new officers, will be formally appointed at the Romsey Carnival AGM, which will take place at 7pm on Tuesday, February 4, at Romsey Conservative Club. 

It is an open meeting and all are welcome to attend.  At the meeting, outline plans for the events planned for 2025 will be announced.