READING'S popular Carnival event has been cancelled this summer due to a lack of funding.

Reading Carnival 2022, which has gone on for 45 years, was set to take place this year, but organises have axed the event due to not enough money being raised.

It is the second year in a row that the event has been cancelled after the pandemic led it being put off in 2020.

The weekend event hosted by the Reading Caribbean Cultural Group (RCCG) is is one of Reading's largest parties, with members of the Caibbean community lining the streets.

The RCCG made the announced on Wednesday, March 30 in a statement.

It said: "It is regrettable, but necessary to cancel the Carnival for this year owing to the ever increasingever-increasing costs associated with hosting this free event and the shortfall in funding and community volunteers.

"RCCG has been working closely with Reading Borough Council and have decided to look towards 2023 to produce a safe, family-friendly community carnival.

"In the lead-up to the May bank holiday 2023, we are planning to host a number ofseveral community events and fundraisers, details of which will be available when completed."

RCCG said they will continue to work closely with Reading Borough Council, and Thames Valley Police Police, local businesses, and local community organisations to ensure the Carnival is the safe family-friendly community event Reading has known and enjoyed over the decades.

Organisers also say they are "busy looking at reviewing different funding models and sources to ensure the Carnival is sustainable."

A spokesman said: "Reading Caribbean Cultural Group would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Reading who have supported the Carnival throughout the years.

"We personally thank the revellers, the float participants, the artists, and the stall holders, all the emergency services and the various departments of Reading Borough Council, that have assisted along the way.

"We acknowledge that Reading Carnival is an important and very much valued annual event for the Caribbean diaspora and the wider Reading community. Therefore, it is important that we all do what we can to ensure that the Carnival continues in years to come and remain safe for all to attend."