Supporters of local carnivals are celebrating news that the National Lottery has given the annual spectacular event a huge funding boost of £26,225 this week.
Grant funding has been provided by the Arts Council’s open access program for arts, museums and libraries projects for the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival.
The fund supports thousands of individual artists, community and cultural organizations thanks to National Lottery investment.
This is the ninth consecutive year, excluding the pandemic years, that Bridgwater Carnival has received support from Arts Council England and comes at a time when community-based events are facing increased and overwhelming financial pressures.
Mike Crocker, President of the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee, says: “This grant was made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and is absolutely fantastic news for everyone associated with our carnival.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who plays the National Lottery,
we couldn’t do it without you.”
Chris Hocking, Life Member and Director of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, added: “Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is the UK’s oldest carnival, and as well as helping to continually improve the role our carnival activities play in developing the arts in Somerset. and the Southwest, this grant will also ensure that it survives for future generations to enjoy.”
As in previous years, the grant will be used primarily to support the carnival committee’s continued work with local schools, which introduces, encourages and develops carnival skills to thousands of local children. It also offers the city’s full program of entertainment on Carnival Day, which features street music and theatre,
performed by local and national artists.
Finally, the grant enables Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival to further strengthen its working relationships and reputation with other well-known carnivals in the UK.
Somerset Carnival returns this year after a two-year pandemic hiatus. The carnival has the reputation of being one of the largest illuminated processions in Europe, and each 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 huge contribution to the local economy.
Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival 2022:
- Bridgwater – Saturday 5th November, 6pm kick off
- Burnham-On-Sea – Monday 7th November, 7.30pm kick-off
- Weston Super Mare – Friday 11th November, 7pm kick-off
- North Petherton – Saturday 12th November, 7pm kick-off
- Shepton Mallet – Wednesday 16th November, 7.30pm start
- Wells – Friday 18th November, 7pm kick-off
- Glastonbury – Saturday 19 November, 7pm start
- Midsomer Norton (associate) – Monday 14th November, 7.30pm kick off
Click here for more about Burnham-On-Sea Carnival 2022
