CARNIVAL AWARDED ARTS GRANT
Arts Council England has, once again, recognised the valuable role which Bridgwater Carnival performs in the local community by awarding a grant of £18,291 towards some of the organisation’s upcoming activities.
Carnival’s main focus in 2025 will be on engaging with young people from the surrounding area and encouraging their participation in the town’s world-famous event. The annual Carnival Day entertainment programme, which has been staged in the town centre for many years, will be transformed into a Music and Dance Festival featuring the talents of youth dance troupes, choirs and individuals performing alongside more experienced artistes.
Staged in four separate locations, the Festival guarantees to provide an eclectic mix of entertainment which
the whole family can enjoy. There will literally be something for everyone ranging from live music, street theatre, children’s shows, marching bands and dance.
Education remains high on Bridgwater Carnival’s list of community engagement and for the past few years the grant has helped develop an exciting outreach programme which is delivered to local schools. This year is no exception, and the programme remains purposely designed to involve children in carnival, for them to develop skills as well as to learn about the background to carnival traditions and activities.
The entire project has been cleverly designed to link with the standard educational curriculum so that children can continue to learn in a fun and constructive way.
From September to November hundreds of young students in the area will be involved in carnival design, construction, literacy, craft, dance and creativity – skills which could prove useful for their future careers and, of course, in carnival.
Dave Creedy, President of Bridgwater Carnival said: “We are absolutely delighted that Arts Council England has, once again, acknowledged the important part we play in the development of talent and skills amongst the young people of the area.
We certainly appreciate their encouragement and involvement as it provides us with the opportunity to inspire children in worthwhile and imaginative activities.
And that will undoubtedly ensure the future of our amazing event is in safe hands.”
