The traditional day out, which featured fire works, a regalia display and fund raising, has been a highlight of the town's social calendar since 1962.

But according to organisers of the annual spectacular – dwindling attendances have meant the carnival simply 'isn't worth it'.

Crawley Lions member and organiser Len Aldridge said: "It has come to the end of its time. People want other things these days. The number of people attending each year has been going down and we just thought it was time to have something else.

"It's something that we have done since 1962 and has been a firm favourite in our annual programme. But in the early days thousands of people would come and now it's down to the hundreds. Obviously we are sad to see it go."

Len said that Lions bosses hoped to replace the event with an alternative, but admitted that no ideas have yet been put together.

Last year the event was shunted into Goffs Park from Southgate, but organisers insisted there was no 'particular event' that led to the axing of the carnival.

Len added: "It's just a gradual decline over the years. And with all the effort that goes into organisation, there's a great deal to do, it wasn't really worth it."


What do you think? Leave your comments below, phone (01293) 845055 or email matthew.gaw@sussexnewspapers.co.uk

Emailed reader's comments

mohamed kalisa, Crawley:

I think that the weather is partially to blame for the low numbers of people that turn up. I remember i moved to crawley about 7 years ago (im 18 years old) , and I've always turned up to the carnival and loved it.
Everyone else I know loves the carnival and people even come from places like Billingshurst just to come!
I could not believe my eyes when I read that it was going to be axed. Without even warning!! Thats is just cruel.
The major factor is the weather and this year.. it would have been fanctastic for it. Its such a shmae and annoying in a way really. I really hope they change their mind and bring it back i mean, what else is there for the younger population?
I hope it comes back. i realy do.