YMCA Carnival club was formed in 1968, and is based at the town’s YMCA headquarters and socially at the Blake Hall. The first year the club entered as a walking comic feature with props built on an old car chassis lit by car batteries.
From 1969 the members built a cart and took part as an outside feature club, and in 1972 the club were privileged to be invited to become a local Bridgwater Carnival Club. There were now new challenges for the club; to produce a stage show, to build a cart for the procession, and to take part in the traditional squibbing display at the end of Bridgwater Carnival night. A proud moment for the club was in 1979 when it won the stage show with their production of A Day at the Grand Hotel.
In 2011 a group of club members wearing carnival costumes attended the official opening of the new Bridgwater YMCA building, and presented a book on the history of Bridgwater Carnival to, His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent.
Like many clubs, there have lean years due to a lack of members, but through these difficult periods the club has been fortunate to have a group of stalwart members and helpers to keep it moving forward.
New members are an important part of any club, so if you are up for the challenge of being in the carnival procession and appearing on stage with YMCA CC, leave a message on the club’s Facebook page, or contact Ken on 01278 456747.
