Segdoune Carnival plan was too ambitious

Jul 3 2009 by Lorraine Howard, Irvine Herald

Group’s not in carnival mood

ORGANISERS of Kilwinning’s Segdoune Carnival have admitted their plans to host a two-day event at the town’s secondary school were too ambitious.

And the loss they have made hosting the event means they won’t be repeating it next summer.

A poor turnout for the usually busy carnival could be due to a £2 parking charge imposed on drivers who arrived at Kilwinning Academy’s KA Campus on Saturday and Sunday.

Only a hand-full of people turned out to watch the musical acts on stage.

And now Promoting Kilwinning, the group behind the event, say they will have to re-think their plans for next summer’s carnival.

The Kilwinning An’ A’ That Carnival was held in addition to the crowning event held at Eglinton Park on Saturday, May 30.

Organiser Donald Reid said: “I think I was surprised by the low take-up of visitors to the carnival. Clearly we did something wrong or our dates being so close to the holidays is not for us.

“That said, all who attended were full of praise for the venue and the entertainment arrangements.

“We went big over two days and it has left us counting the pennies, so, clearly, we won’t be in a position to repeat this style of event again.

“We are indebted to KA Campus, North Ayrshire Council, Lang Engineering, St Andrew’s Ambulance, stall holders and the musical acts for their support.”