THE World Cup is being blamed for fouling up Biggleswade Carnival s big day this weekend. The number of floats in this year s procession is almost 50 per cent down on last year and a night of rock n roll tomorrow night (Friday) looks as thought it might

THE World Cup is being blamed for fouling up Biggleswade Carnival's big day this weekend.

The number of floats in this year's procession is almost 50 per cent down on last year and a night of rock 'n' roll tomorrow night (Friday) looks as thought it might not rock at all.

Organisers say people are glued to the TV watching the World Cup and are giving the carnival a red card.

"We are suffering and I blame the World Cup," said carnival chairman Jim Brady.

"I am hoping this last minute plea for more people to take up floats will kick a lot of people in the town who normally support the carnival up the backside.

"It has been grim to try and get people interested. We had promises from a couple of pubs to have floats and they are not bothering now.

"When we have asked what is wrong and why they weren't taking part they just blamed the World Cup being on TV.

"People should have enough local spirit to be able to fit in their local carnival between the games or just watch the highlights later in the day.

"We are well down on the number of floats compared to last year but we have the offer of enough lorries to take more floats up until the last minute."

The theme for this year's carnival is the circus but the committee say they will now accept anything as long as it is colourful.

If you want to join the parade, which starts on Saturday from Holmemead School, contact Mr Brady on 07831 335635.

Another carnival event that has failed to attract public support, with the World Cup being blamed again, is the rock 'n' roll night at Biggleswade Working Men's Club, in Church Street, tomorrow (Friday) night.

Crazy Jay and The Parytimers will be performing having just returned to the UK after a world tour with Brenda Lee and Wanda Jackson which took in the USA, Canada and Australia.

So far only 30 tickets have been sold for the event which the carnival committee thought would attract well over 100 people.

"They are a great group but once again the football has got in the way and we have had a very poor response for tickets," added Mr Brady.

"But if people want tickets it is not too late and they should call me on my mobile.