Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival - The Future
March 2009
At a specially arranged meeting earlier this week to discuss the future of carnival, delegates of the Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association narrowly voted not to support a proposal to rearrange the geographical order of the seven carnivals and Bridgwater Carnival Committee’s idea of moving its procession to a Saturday night.
The proposal, which was put forward by representatives from Bridgwater Carnival Committee, was suggested following concerns the committee has for the long term future of carnivals in Somerset. The present economic environment, rising costs, dwindling street collections and the continuous onslaught of regulations are making carnivals increasingly more difficult to run.
The proposal did receive strong backing from a number of delegates at the meeting, but the Bridgwater Gangs & Features (the organisation representing the 13 Bridgwater carnival clubs) did not support the proposal.
A spokesman for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, added: “Bridgwater Carnival Committee would like to thank the many organisations, clubs and carnivalites who have worked on this proposal and consultation, and who have offered their support and encouragement throughout the process.
“The committee is committed to looking at further ways of improving and securing the long term future of Bridgwater Carnival, and is continuing to work with the local authorities and other partners to ensure the tradition of Bridgwater Carnival is maintained for many years to come for the benefit of the local community.”
