The Carnival Comes To Town Friday 4th November
October 2011
With just over two weeks to Bridgwater’s biggest night of the year, the final countdown has begun to Bridgwater Carnival 2011.
For the carnival clubs who are working around the clock to finish their spectacular entries, to the carnival organisers who are finalising the arrangements for the glittering event, the preparations are nearing completion.
In this the 406th anniversary of The Gunpowder Plot, everyone involved with Bridgwater Carnival is hoping that the procession on Friday 4 November 2011 will be the best one yet.
On carnival day itself, the build up to the procession starts in the town centre at 10:30am, and early visitors will be entertained by a variety of acts. Confirmed artists already include: ACTS, Newtown Marching Band, Barnstaple Town Youth Marching Band, samba bands from local schools, performances by performing arts students from Bridgwater College, live music and Breeze FM road show, to name just a few.
And this year the crowds are in for a real treat as the first Bridgwater Carnival children’s parade will meander its way through the town centre at 2pm. More than 120 local children from 9 schools will be taking part in the event which has been sponsored by Gerber Juice Company Ltd and choreographed by Robert Blake Science College’s, Claire Taylor.
The main carnival procession starts at 7pm and will be led by the carnival committee’s Guy Fawkes cart, which has been sponsored by BAM Construction Ltd. 117 entries will follow, including over 60 illuminated carnival carts, and will enthral the tens of thousands of people expected to line the procession route. The entertainment will be brought to a fitting finale when over 150 squibbers will line the town’s High Street immediately after the procession, for the traditional squibbing display.
Organisers are also hoping to beat the overall street collection record of £30,701 set in 2006 and reverse the downward trend of collection totals over the last four years. The money collected on the night will go towards Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival – charity no.1120551, with the following charities also benefiting: - Bridgwater Rotary Club, British Red Cross (Bridgwater Branch), Bridgwater Lions International, SNAP, Compass Disability Service, Freewheelers, Rhode Lane Wanderers, Ron Peberdy Cyberknife Trust, Bridgwater & District Fibromyalgia Support Group, Project Somerset Tai Chi, Bridgwater Victoria Park Rangers, Robert Blake Science College and The Alzheimer Society.
Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee is still seeking volunteers to act as marshals on carnival night. If you are interested in helping, please contact Gary Stephens on 07711 446930.
An increased souvenir range for the popular event is available for 2011 and includes baseball caps, scarves, an official Bridgwater Carnival end of season glossy brochure, flags, mugs, fridge magnets, hats, programmes, calendars, DVDs, teddy bears, badges and books. These can be purchased from Bridgwater Carnival’s online shop or from the carnival centre, next to Bridgwater Town Hall.
