The application window to take part in the prestigious 2023 Somerset County Guy Fawkes carnival processions will open on Saturday 1 July.
With the start of the carnival season now just under four months away, potential entrants will be able to apply to be in the popular carnivals by completing a simple online electronic entry form, accessible from both the official Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnivals Association (SCGFCA) website (www.somersetcountycarnivals.com) and the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival website (www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk).
The standardised entry form enables entrants, at a click of a button, to apply to take part in the eight affiliated carnivals – Bridgwater, Burnham on Sea, Weston Super Mare, North Petherton, Midsomer Norton, Shepton Mallet, Wells and Glastonbury.
2022 saw the spectacular carnivals return to bumper crowds following a two year Pandemic related break. An estimated 400,000 people watched the carnivals, with nearly £110,000 raised from the town street collections and shared between good causes, local charities and the carnivals themselves.
David Churches, secretary of SCGFCA, said: “The Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnivals are the best illuminated processions in the world, and the resurgence in popularity experienced last year is something we need to be very proud of and embrace.
“We acknowledge the current economic and financial climate is causing difficulties for everyone, and many community events have fallen by the wayside over the past couple of years. However, the Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnivals continue to defy the odds with the carnival spirit burning brighter than ever, and this is testament to every single person involved in our wonderful tradition.
”The 2023 Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnivals will take place on the following dates:
SOMERSET COUNTY GUY FAWKES CARNIVALS ASSOCIATION
Bridgwater – Saturday 4 November, 6pm start
Burnham on Sea – Monday 6 November, 7pm start
Weston Super Mare – Friday 10 November, 7pm start
North Petherton – Saturday 11 November, 7pm start
Shepton Mallet – Wednesday 15 November, 7.30pm start
Wells – Friday 17 November, 7pm start
Glastonbury – Saturday 18 November, 6.45pm start
Midsomer Norton (associate) – Monday 13 November, 7.30pm start
David added: “It’s always a very special night when the carnival comes to town, and to feel that excitement, atmosphere and enjoyment again will be a joy to behold”.
“I am sure the carnival committees and entrants will be absolutely determined to put on a special show for 2023.”
The closing date for applying to take part in the carnivals is Friday 1 September, and those who are unable to complete an online entry form can still obtain a paper copy by contacting Dave Croker on 01278 421795 or at dave@bridgwatercarnival.org.uk.
