Newtown Carnival organisers have hit back at people sharing “very hurtful” online comments after they announced that the popular event would not be going ahead this summer for the fourth year running.

With 12 weeks to go to the big day, the carnival committee said last month that there were not enough people who volunteered their time to help run the event following an appeal posted on Facebook on February 28.

Chairperson Jen Reynolds said: “Some of the comments after our previous post in regards to the postponement of 2023 carnival were very hurtful to the small band of people that work very hard to put this event.

“It was sad we had to cancel but without more manpower it was impossible.”

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People are being invited to a public meeting at The Monty Club in Newtown’s Broad Street at 7pm on Tuesday, May 16, where committee members will share “how much time and effort is put in throughout the year whilst we still have work and family commitments”.

A number of people said they were unaware that there was a plea for volunteers and committee members, and some criticised organisers for “relying on social media” rather than other ways of publicising such as posters, local news organisations and schools.

“Such a shame,” said one person. “Eleven weeks is ample if most of the work has been sorted and already there’s been plenty of comments saying help has already been offered?

"Especially after all the store closures already this year, local businesses need the footfall and the people of Newtown need this. Hope you reconsider.”