An organiser of the New Addington Carnival has called on residents to get behind fundraising efforts for this year's event.

Kirsty Pearce said plans were already under way to ensure a “successful” People’s Carnival at Milne Park this summer.

But she feared the event, which will take place over the weekend of June 12 and 13, would be on a smaller scale than previous years without an increase in funds.

The Carnival’s organizing committee has so far raised about £4,500 to stage this year’s festivities - less than half of its £10,000 target.

Ms Pearce, who co-manages the popular community group New Addington Pathfinders, said: "We can put a carnival on with less, but it's not as good. We don't want the negativity of people saying, 'It's not as good as it used to be'.

"We're saying, put your money where your mouth is.”

Since 2010 hundreds of people have flocked to Milne Park every year to enjoy the free two-day event.

Previous Carnivals have included fancy dress competitions, motorbike displays, karate performances, as well as the annual 2.4 mile procession through the New Addington estate.

If every one of New Addington’s 8,000-or-so households donated just £1 to the carnival, the fundraising target would be easily reached, Ms Pearce said.

She added: "It brings us all together and it's growing year on year. We have a proud history of successful carnivals in our area.

"Like anything, the more money we have, the better it will be."

Booking entertainment acts for the event can cost upwards of £2,000, Ms Pearce said, on top of insurance and organizational expenses.

A music quiz will be held at the The Addington Community Association on Saturday, March 19, in an effort to raise money for the carnival.

A summertime carnival has been a near-permanent fixture in New Addington’s calendar since the 1950s, apart from a break between 2003 and 2010.

This year procession’s will have a “Royalty” theme in honor of the Queen, who will celebrate her official birthday on Saturday, 12 June.

Visit gofundme.com/mwi6ho or the New Addington Pathfinders Facebook page to find out how you can donate money to this year's carnival