It's a tough one. The 'end' of the Extravaganza has been reported several times, I seem to remember, and yet each time - Phoenix-like - it's risen from its own ashes to resume, apparently uninterrupted.
Part of the reason that's happened is the very small number of utterly committed individuals (like our very own wrex:-) at the core of the organisation who believe strongly in the event and part of it is down to Len Ricketts' Transport Festival, which complements the event making it now an almost week-long attraction. Actually, for that reason alone I doubt the event is going anywhere for the near future, but it might well feature fewer Victoriana items and more fairground.
The fairground pays for most of the expenses but - and it's a big 'but' - they don't pay in advance. Expenses, however, have to be met in advance, and that's why funding is always an issue.
I suspect that most people in the town now see the event as little more than the weekend when the town becomes a fairground. But the first few events were nothing like that. They divided the weekend into clearly defined segments: street entertainment was the major aspect. From the Wotan stilt walkers, to David Alexander's fantastic jugging and magic act, the astonishing Ladies' Barbershop choir and a lot more, the event ensured at least one act on every street corner.
The second section was parades, when all the acts plus as many Brass and Military bands as possible paraded once a day through the town.
Then there was indoor entertainment, which took place in the old market hall. On the second year they managed to get a chap with the most staggeringly spectacular Meccano models to set up, as well as Palmists, fortune tellers and all the rest of the usual Victoriana trappings. In the evenings, concerts and shows would be held at various venues around town. The fire station and lifeboat men threw open their doors and showed people their equipment... Finally, prizes were awarded for the 'Best Victorian Outfits' worn during the event, something which brought folk in from all over the UK.
Lastly, there were Steam engines and Organs. Between those four areas, they ensured that the town was buzzing with something almost all the time.
The organisation required for that lot was incredible and - at one point - there was a paid secretary doing the work; volunteers were no longer sufficient.
There's no doubt some places do extremely well out of the event. But getting them to give money to the committee for next year's event is akin to Thaumaturgy. No easy task, and I don't envy wrex's job. But I'd say fund raiser is probably the most important position needed, now, and if no one is prepared to do that job, and do it well, then I could suggest that the committee simply announces it's disbanding, and waits to see what happens. That might result in a new band of volunteers - or nothing. Either way, the town will get what it deserves.
