There are many positives which an event such as our carnival brings to the local community.
As well as the obvious social cohesion, economic and tourism benefits, another we are very proud of is the financial contribution we make every year to good causes, charities and local clubs.
I can exclusively reveal the carnival committee has donated nearly £35,000 to 45 such groups and organisations as a result of our 2023 carnival activities. This money has been raised from collections made at the grand firework display and on carnival night itself, through the staffing of official car parks, for the provision of general assistance and services, and from the commission received through the sale of souvenir programmes. It also includes £7,400, which was raised after a Christmas themed carnival cart was taken around the supermarkets and streets of Bridgwater and Sedgemoor in December.
Since the carnival returned in 2022 following the enforced Covid hiatus, approximately £65,000 has been donated to good causes and local charities. The fundraising aspect of the carnival is often overlooked and doesn’t always make the headlines it undoubtedly deserves, but it is another reason why we all volunteer and get involved with this prestigious event year after year. We sincerely hope our contributions, donations and support make a big difference to the community.
Having such a successful carnival and raising so much money would not be possible without the tremendous generosity, help and cooperation we receive from the people
of Bridgwater. From the households and residents along Parkway and the surrounding roads who are so tolerant and patient when the entries line up on carnival day, to those affected along the procession route and by the road closures and slow moving traffic during the carnival weekend, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are also gratefully aware of the role local people play in helping us to raise so much money for the community. We really could not do it without your cooperation and support.
Finally, I am delighted to announce we have secured our first sponsorship partner for this year’s carnival. For the 20 th consecutive year, excluding the Covid years, JD
Wetherspoon and The Carnival Inn has pledged their continued support to our carnival once again, meaning the popular chain is one of our longest serving sponsors. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team at The Carnival Inn for their support; we really do appreciate it.
Until the next time…
Dave Stokes
Publicity Director
Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival