Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival receives massive boost following award of National Lottery Projects Grant Arts Council England have given Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival a timely boost, after confirming it will be supporting this year’s spectacular carnival celebrations.
A National Lottery Projects Grant of £26,225 has been awarded by the Arts Council’s open access programme for arts, museums and libraries projects. The fund supports thousands of individual artists, community and cultural organisations thanks to National Lottery investment.
This is the ninth consecutive year, excluding the pandemic years, Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival has received support from Arts Council England, and it comes at a time when community based events are facing increased and excessive financial pressures.
Mike Crocker, President for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee, said: “This grant was made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and it is absolutely fantastic news for everybody associated with our carnival.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank every person who plays the National Lottery, we wouldn’t be able to do this without you.”
Chris Hocking, Life Member and Director for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, added: “Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is the oldest carnival in the UK, and as well as helping to continually improve the role our carnival related activities play in thedevelopment of arts in Somerset and the South West, this grant will also ensure it survives for future generations to enjoy.”
As in previous years, the grant will mainly be used to support the continuation of the carnival committee’s work with local schools, which introduces, encourages and develops carnival skills to thousands of local children. It also provides the full programme of entertainment in the town on carnival day which showcases music and street theatre, performed by local and national artistes. Finally the grant enables Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival to further strengthen its working relationships and reputational standing with other well established carnivals in the UK.
Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival returns this year after a two year pause for the pandemic. The carnival has the reputation for being one of the largest illuminated processions in Europe, and every year attracts tens of thousands of people to Somerset from all over the country and the world. It raises a huge amount of money for charities and good causes, and also makes a big contribution to the local economy.
Chris added: “After an enforced two year hiatus, we are really excited about this year’s carnival celebrations, and I have a feeling Bridgwater Carnival 2022 is going to be the biggest and best one yet.”
National Lottery players raise over £30 million for good causes each week, funding arts, heritage, sports, voluntary and charity projects around the UK. Over £43 billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery began in 1994.