IT is one of the oldest carnival parades in Hampshire.

For more than 120 years the fun packed colourful pageant has rolled out onto the streets of Eastleigh. But carnival organisers in Eastleigh have warned that this summer’s big parade could be the last because of increasing red tape and a lack of cash.

Last year’s procession was only saved at the eleventh hour thanks to cash support from sponsors, while in 2007 torrential rain threatened to wash away the procession.

An Eastleigh Carnival spokesperson said: “The last few years the procession has not been profitable and not well attended.

“We have had lots of new regulations to adhere to plus other problems such as not being able to get lorries.”

The big question mark over Eastleigh’s carnival procession comes at a time when spiralling costs have been sounding the death knell on neighbouring carnivals.

Last summer, Lymington’s carnival was axed, while Titchfield’s 125-year-old procession was ditched in 2007 only to be revived thanks to a mammoth fundraising campaign in 2008.

Last year, Eastleigh carnival’s public liability insurance was set to soar from £5m to £10m, adding another £1,060 to the total bill. The carnival also faced a bill of £968 for the road closures required.

The Eastleigh Carnival spokesperson said the procession would go ahead this year but added: “We have decided that we would try one more time this year but if it fails this time then it will be the last carnival procession that Eastleigh will have.

“We would still carry on with the carnival week as a lot of people, young and old, enjoy the activities and we can still raise a lot of money for good causes and local charities.”

Over the years Eastleigh Carnival have raised several thousands of pounds for good causes. Last year the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance was the main fund raising target.

To help make this year’s carnival procession a success organisers need more people to join the committee, specially some strong men.

If anyone is interested in helping to keep the carnival procession rolling they can ring 07944 685830, 07724 521474 or 07702 833854.

Carnival week is from August 15-August 23 with the procession on Saturday August 22. Stevens Fun Fair runs from Friday August 13.