Three years is a long time, and many of us were worried we had forgotten how to do it. Others wondered whether it would ever be the same. While some even questioned whether the desire was still there or indeed whether there would be an appetite to see it.
But like the sun rising on a cold and crisp morning, the carnival spirit shone through at Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival 2022 brighter than ever.
We should never have doubted it. As soon as the weather forecasters once again started wrongly predicting it would be a wash out, we knew everything was going to be ok. We had been here before. Normal service had returned.
It felt so good to be back, and the Carnival did not disappoint. People started arriving in the town centre at 10:30 hours, and the constant stream of visitors just did not stop. They had travelled far and wide, from all over the country and indeed the world, to be in Bridgwater on the day the carnival finally returned home again. From Sheffield, Pembrokeshire, Bracknell, North Wales, Falkirk, County Kilkenny, Cornwall, it seemed that every single area in the UK had representatives in Bridgwater on Saturday. There was even talk of people flying in from Canada, Spain and Cyprus to watch the carnival. By 5pm all of the official carnival car parks and the two park and ride parking areas were full, and the town was brimming at the rafters. The excitement and atmosphere as the clock ticked towards the start of the procession from the waiting thousands was very apparent and something to behold.
As soon as the grand procession started, the crowds were absolutely mesmerised. The traumas and uncertainty of the past three years were briefly forgotten and replaced with fun and enjoyment. A couple of unavoidable cart breakdowns and delays couldn’t break the indestructible carnival spirit, and our hearts go out to those clubs who were affected. We know you will be back stronger than ever.
For those who couldn’t make it into the town on carnival night, the live stream provided a suitable alternative. Approximately 50,000 viewers tuned in online at some time during the procession, and remotely tasted the infectious carnival spirit.
The standard of entries was extremely high, especially in the context of the enormous difficulties and economic backdrop faced over the last three years. Every single entry played a massive part in making this year’s carnival such a spectacular show.
The Jubilation carnival cart’s starring role at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London back in June undoubtedly was also an added attraction at this year’s carnival. It’s role in putting Bridgwater and the Somerset Carnivals firmly on the national and international map should never be underestimated or questioned. Of course, it took on a whole new significance following the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II just three months after the jubilee celebrations, and many visitors to the town said the royal themed cart had opened their eyes to the Bridgwater and Somerset Carnivals.
The town’s 2022 street collection was a fantastic £30,100. This is the third highest amount ever raised at Bridgwater Carnival, and is testament to the generosity and appreciation of the watching public. This money was made up of cash, text and online donations. Many years ago, the collection was seen as the main indicator as to the success of the carnival. Now it’s just one of many indicators used to judge the success of the carnival, including souvenir sales, car park income, programme sales, corporate hospitality etc, to name just a few.
We must all say a massive congratulations to the winners and those who won awards and cups on the night. Winning a trophy makes everything all worthwhile and the judges had an incredibly difficult job.
As ever, we are always looking at ways of improving the Bridgwater Carnival experience, and over the next few months we will be reviewing and identifying areas we can make it even better in the future.
2022 will always be remembered as the year when we all fell back in love with Bridgwater Carnival again. And it’s so good to see the formidable carnival spirit is burning so brightly.
See you on Saturday 4 November 2023 – the night the carnival returns to town.
Seeing is believing!
