THE hunt is on for some very special people to become “Angels” and revive one of Great Yarmouth's annual spectaculars.Businesses, traders and companies - large and small - are being asked to take on an “Angel” role and help bring back the town's carnival with donations - large and small - to get the ball rolling.

THE hunt is on for some very special people to become “Angels” and revive one of Great Yarmouth's annual spectaculars.

Businesses, traders and companies - large and small - are being asked to take on an “Angel” role and help bring back the town's carnival with donations - large and small - to get the ball rolling.

The carnival caravan ground to a halt after the 2005 event due to a lack of support, not from the public who flocked to help raise money for tens of local charities, but from people who could help get such an extravaganza off the ground.

The man at the helm of the organising committee, Gerry Jarvis, revealed: “We need £7000 to kick things off. Previous carnivals have been underfunded and I'm not prepared to do this one on a shoe-string. I don't want the event to turn into a shoddy show on the seafront.”

Mr Jarvis, a former chairman of Great Yarmouth in Bloom, said he had intended on building the carnival up in a similar way to the growth in popularity and profile as the In Bloom movement - and making it a “must” on the town's entertainments calendar.

He said: “The In Bloom is looked on by the council as being necessary for the well-being and pride of the town. I had hoped the carnival would be supported in a similar way.”

A disappointed Mr Jarvis revealed that almost 50 companies had already been approached to either donate funds or to provide a float but those who replied said they had not got the cash to spend.

The week-long summer festival is scheduled to take place in July next year with a massive carnival procession on Sunday, July 26.

And the revival of the carnival is being backed by The Mercury.

Editor Anne Edwards said: “This is a major event for, and by, the people of the town and is a way of celebrating how we feel about living here, and welcoming visitors.

“A town this size should be able to put on something that shows visitors Yarmouth is a great place to visit, and it will also raise funds to help the many local charities and groups who are expected to take part. It could and should be a major player in the town's annual events calendar and one which local businesses and charities can join together to help each other out.

“When I first came to Yarmouth, the carnival was wonderful - there were floats from local shops, bars and nightclubs and wonderful costumes. It is the chance for local groups to show themselves off in a fun and colourful way, from cubs and brownies to playgroups, to the many varied clubs in the town - there are hundreds!”

She added: “I'll add my voice to the call for help for donations to get the ball rolling; The Mercury will be backing this all the way with major publicity, and other businesses have the opportunity to join us.”

A final decision about whether the 2009 carnival goes ahead or is abandoned will be made on September 23.

Any business, large or small, who feels they could get involved; with donating start-up funds, or with vehicles to offer for charities and groups to use as floats, should contact Mr Jarvis on 01493 851221.

ends