With just under two weeks to Bridgwater’s biggest night of the year, the final countdown has begun to Bridgwater Carnival 2014.
For the carnival clubs who are working around the clock to finish their spectacular entries, to the carnival organisers who are finalising the arrangements for the town’s biggest night of the year, the preparations are nearing completion.
Bridgwater Carnival’s origins lie in the failed exploits of Guy Fawkes, and in this, the 409th anniversary of these Gunpowder Plot celebrations, Bridgwater Carnival 2014 is set to be the biggest and best one yet.
Over the last couple of years traditional community carnival events throughout the country have disappointingly not taken place, due to lack of support and resources and the increasing amount of legislation and insurance premiums. Thankfully Bridgwater Carnival has managed to manoeuvre itself through these difficult times, and this is testament to the town’s dedicated carnivalites and the invaluable support received from Arts Council England, Refresco Gerber UK Ltd (main local event sponsor) and many other local businesses and organisations.
On carnival day itself, the build up to the grand procession starts in the town centre at 10:30am, and carnival revellers will scarcely have time to pause for breath. There is just so much happening in the town centre with fun planned for the whole family. Early visitors will be entertained by a variety of acts, including ABBA Authentic, Harry Winchester, Jordan Hill, ACTS, Bridgwater College Performing Arts students, Bournemouth Carnival Band, Wells City Band, Two Tone, London School of Samba and other live music acts and street entertainers, to name just a few. Hot and cold food is being served in Bridgwater Town Hall throughout carnival day by carnival committee members and supporters.
More than 150 local children from schools (Robert Blake Science College, Chilton Trinity Technological College, Kingsmoor, Somerset Bridge and Westover Green) will be taking part in a children’s dance parade through the town centre at 2.15pm, and this has been sponsored by the Arts Council England. A children’s lantern parade featuring children from Somerset Bridge Primary School will also take place at 3.45pm.
Popular radio personalities Ed, Troy and Paulina who present Heart Breakfast every weekday across the West Country, will broadcast a special live show between 1pm and 5pm from inside Angel Place Shopping Centre. The show will feature all of the latest chat and news about Bridgwater Carnival.
The main carnival procession starts at 7pm and will be led by the carnival committee’s official Guy Fawkes cart which has been sponsored by Angel Place Shopping Centre. 130 entries will follow, including 50 illuminated carnival carts, and will enthral the tens of thousands of people expected to line the procession route. The entertainment will be brought to a fitting finale when over 170 squibbers line the town’s High Street immediately after the procession for the traditional squibbing display.
Over 400 collectors will be on the streets on carnival night, and organisers are hoping to beat last year’s collection total of £20,834. Those who miss the collectors and would like to make a donation, can do so online at www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk or by texting BGFC12 to 70070 followed by £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10. So come on, please dig deep and let’s raise as much money as we can to make Bridgwater proud.
Rita Jones, president of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, said; “I can’t wait until the big day, and I promise you will be truly mesmerised by Bridgwater Carnival 2014.
“In my mind Bridgwater Carnival proves time and time again it really is the home of carnival, and after you have seen this year’s offering, I am sure you will have the same opinion as me.”
Bridgwater Carnival, Seeing is believing – don’t miss this amazing carnival!
