The man now heading Spalding’s Flower Parade group says he’s confident it will have a future every two years going forward, if there are the volunteers.
Lee Dickens says he’s had ‘very productive’ talks with key local figures since announcing the 2027 event would go the same way as the 2026 one and be cancelled.
It came as a surprise to some, as previously members of the committee had told The Voice this year’s parade was £15,000 short of the £90,000 to £100,000 needed to put on the event next spring.
Mr Dickens said that figure had assumed a £22,000 grant from the Arts Council would be successful.
It wasn’t, partly due to the Community Interest Company set up to make finances more accountable, not having the required number of directors to receive grants.
Lee says he and the volunteers are working on ensuring the CIC meets all the criteria going forward and that the Arts Council, through MP Sir John Hayes, has been supportive.
There has also been a ‘significant’ offer from South Holland District Council’ which the committee hadn’t responded to at the time of the cancellation announcement.
The Voice understands committee members had concerns that there was only one director who would be responsible for the money.
It has seen several changes, including some people having stepped away due to ill health.
There’s already now two directors, Lee being joined by Agne Storpirstyte.
He hopes that securing these funds will go along way to guaranteeing a full parade takes place every two years.
“There’s a lot of work ahead,” he said. “I’ve had a brief look through everything and there’s more to go.
“But the only reason I’ve stepped up is because I believe there is a fighting chance, not just of holding the parade next year, but to ensure it continues every two years going forward.
“I want to help deliver this for Spalding and the fantastic volunteers who are already putting so many hours in.
“When it was cancelled it was massive hit to their morale, but already spirits are better.
“We’ve a couple of funky ideas and hopefully in the next couple of months more plans will come together.”
The volunteers are also looking for new premises with which to store the numerous floats and equipment.
“It’s our biggest concern,” Lee continued. “Our current landlords have been fantastic and very accommodating.
“It’s also provided a brilliant place for all our volunteers to come together and socialising.”
