Organisers of the historic 2008 event have turned their attention to next year's event in a bid to build on the success of the 100th anniversary.

In particular the five-strong organising team have set their sights on finding dedicated volunteers who will carry forward the momentum of the most successful carnival in years.

Long term the aim is expand the event so the 2012 Olympic year will attract crowds from far outside the town.

Event organiser Sue Bull said: "Organising the carnival is a year-long process. It takes a lot of hard work. We start work on the next carnival straight after the last."

Event chaperone Barbara Terry said: "My aim was always to help Wellingborough Carnival get to 100 years. Now it is on to the 2012 Olympic year."

The team admits that organising the carnival has been a struggle in the past because of a lack of volunteers.

Even though the crowds have always lined the streets on carnival day, the event nearly collapsed in 2006 because there were not enough people to do the work. Later the council took increased responsibility for the carnival and merged it with the Party in the Park event to attract big crowds to a free weekend of events.

Ms Bull said: "There was no way the council was going to let something as precious as the carnival go to the dogs."

It is hoped that the popularity of the 2008 event will be a turning point which allow the carnival to continue when others are folding.

In particular Ms Bull has appealed for more people to join the organising committee so there is more manpower behind the operation.

She has appealed to younger generations to put themselves forward for responsibilities so the organisers can learn how to attract young crowds.

And it is hoped that more businesses will get behind the carnival by sponsoring the event and supporting the local communities they serve.

Ms Bull said: "When it comes to volunteering, people always think it will happen but that someone else will do it.

"If tradespeople actually take part it would help lift the town's spirit. It's not just lorries on a parade that make the carnival but everyone supporting it."

For more information, or to get involved in the 2009 event, call Wellingborough Council on 01933 229777.