Bridgwater Carnival organisers are celebrating after receiving news from the Arts Council England it is set to support the popular event for the second consecutive year.
A grant of over £29,000 has been awarded for the 2013 Bridgwater Carnival activities by the Government funded body, who has the responsibility of distributing money from the Government and National Lottery to the development of arts in England.
Chris Hocking, Bridgwater Carnival’s development officer and committee life member, was delighted with the news and said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for everybody associated with our carnival, and I would like to thank Arts Council England for their much needed support and for recognising the role our carnival related activities play in the development of arts in Somerset.
“This money will enable us to continue and increase the work we are doing in local schools with spreading the carnival word, and also to provide a full programme of top class entertainment on carnival day itself.
”Five separate educational carnival projects have been arranged this year for children to participate in, including a special lantern parade which will take place the night before carnival day at the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival’s grand firework display on Friday 1 November. Leading this parade will be a 15 foot effigy of Guy Fawkes, made out of willow by The Somerset Willow Company. It will be ceremoniously lit at the end of the display by the president of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, Rita Jones, which will signify the official start of the 2013 carnival celebrations.
The full programme of entertainment for carnival day is still being finalised, but acts already confirmed include Bloco Du Sarjento Pimenta (pictured) from the world famous Rio de Janerio carnival, Rhythms of the City – one of the country’s top samba bands, Young Generation – popular local children’s band, ACTS and students from Bridgwater College to name just a few.
“This year’s Bridgwater Carnival activities will be the greatest we have ever staged in the town, with something for everyone to enjoy,” continued Chris.
“Sadly, other carnivals and events have faltered this year, but Bridgwater Carnival goes from strength to strength and we are extremely grateful to Arts Council England and local businesses and organisations for recognising the importance of our event and for supporting the vital role we play in the community.”
