RICHARD PARR Wells Carnival organisers have defended booking "blue" comic Jimmy Jones for this year's event.

RICHARD PARR

Wells Carnival organisers have defended booking "blue" comic Jimmy Jones for this year's event.

And they claimed that far from causing offence, tickets for the "adults only" show were "selling like hot cakes".

Jones has been in the business for more than 30 years and his shows sell out in this country and abroad. He is due to appear at Wells on July 29 at the Alderman Peel High School.

Carnival committee member James Platten, who booked the comic, said that while he and the committee were aware of the show's adult content there had been a lot of interest from the public.

"We have 25 tables for the evening and already seven of these have been sold. People know when they book to see Jimmy Jones that it will contain adult material. If people think they will be offended then they don't have to go," said Mr Platten.

"We are really excited to have secured such a well-known name for Wells Carnival and Jimmy Jones is the grandfather of British comedy," he added.

"It is a real coup for us and he is a name that has sold out at shows all over this country and at venues abroad, includ-ing Las Vegas. It will take the already successful Wells Carnival to a new dimension."

Planning for this year's programme - from July 29 until August 6 - is well advanced. It will include one or two new features to ring the changes and add interest.

One of the main new features will be a day of events on the Quay, the use of which has been donated by the Wells Harbour Commissioners.

The Quay area will be free of traffic for the day and organisers hope to create a party atmosphere with stalls and cafes putting tables and chairs outside so people can eat alfresco.

Festival chairman Pat Weston said the Quay was one of the town's best areas and it would be good for the carnival to be able to use it during the week.

"The Quay really comes into its own when we have the children's ever-popular gillying competition so its good that it can be used for whole day . We need to utilise out best assets," he said.

"This year's Carnival will cost about £14,000 to stage and we would like to appeal to all local business people for a contribution towards sponsorship.

"We are pleased with the existing level of support, but we could always do with more as our costs continue to rise," said Mr Weston.

Tickets for the Jimmy Jones show, at £15 and £12.50 are now on sale and can be obtained at Goldings on Staithe Street or from James Platten on 079002 93246.