A MAJOR charity event will be handed a cash boost for next year.

Town councillors have agreed unanimously to support the aim of having a free Balloon Carnival - which raises funds for Nightingale House Hospice - next year and to increase funding from £10,000 to £15,000.

A joint report by town clerk David Preston and his assistant Arren Roberts told the Markets and Town Centre Committee that there was a risk that the event would not go ahead if businesses did not support it.

The event drew crowds to Cae Glas Park throughout Saturday, August 25, where an estimated 8,000 people attended the carnival's Night Glow event.

Several businesses had reported their busiest trading day of the year, according to the report.

However, they added that while the Balloon Carnival - which is held in partnership with Linstrand Technologies and Cloud 9 Balloons - and was a success, some of the original objectives were not achieved.

"In particular, the event was not well supported by local businesses in terms of sponsorship and in terms of engagement," they said.

"The Continental Market could not operate along Church Street and so the event was focused in Cae Glas Park rather than being a whole town event."

The report also outlined the risks involved in the event, which costs around £25,000 to run.

Poor weather meant that the carnival's second day was called off and access for large vehicles was an issue, the council officials said.

The report added that event partners underwrote many costs, anticipating business sponsorship.

But it added: "Finding sponsorship is extremely difficult and if local businesses do not support the 2019 event then there is a risk of it not taking place."

Cllr Mike Coppock said that he could understand why businesses might be "a bit wary" because the carnival is so weather dependent.

"It's not like other events but that's probably more reason why the council should support it with more money," he added.

Cllr Vince Hunt backed the carnival, which he said was "the sort of event that we should look to put on", but also asked for an analysis of why the continental market, which he dubbed a "flop", had not operated in Church Street.

"I think it could have significantly increased footfall right up town, which was the idea in the first place," he added

Mr Roberts said that one of the reasons that it brought in an expert market provider was to reduce the risk of not getting enough stalls.

"I think we were let down in that respect," he added

Cllr Nikki Hughes said that she felt that the event had been such a success that she was sure that a lot of businesses would come forward to support the carnival.

Cllr Chris Schofield asked if the council could approach larger businesses in the Oswestry.

He also asked how much the carnival raised for Nightingale House.

Mr Roberts said that was a matter for Nightingale House to tell the council, but it added that it was "not anywhere near what they have raised in the past".

The carnival - previously known as the Oswestry Balloon Festival - was previously held at the British Ironwork Centre.