WHEN Bridgwater Carnival Committee first floated the idea of a Saturday carnival, one of the potential advantages foreseen was that many more people would be able to watch – and take part in – the huge variety of day events that build up to the procession.

This year’s event sees the carnival in its Saturday slot for a second time, and there is certainly plenty going on to keep children and adults entertained.

The fun starts in the town centre from 10.30am for the really keen revellers.

It will include performances from ACTS, Young Generation, Bridgwater College performing arts students, City of Exeter Pipe and Drums Band, Wells City Band, Two Tone, MSG Jazz Quartet, plus several other live music acts and street entertainers.

Hot and cold food is being served in Bridgwater Town Hall throughout carnival day by carnival committee members and supporters.

More than 150 children from six schools (Robert Blake Science College, Chilton Trinity School, Kingsmoor, Somerset Bridge and Westover Green primary schools, and Hamp Academy) will be taking part in a children’s dance parade through the town centre at 2pm.

This has been sponsored by the Arts Council of England and Energy Solutions – Hinkley Point A Power Station.

A children’s lantern parade featuring school children from St Mary’s Primary School, Woolavington Primary School, Elmwood School, Somerset Bridge Primary School and Bridgwater College Academy will take place at 3.30pm.

Heart Breakfast radio presenters Ed, Troy and Paulina, will broadcast a special live show between 1pm and 5pm from a makeshift radio studio in the old Bridgwater Book Shop in High Street (courtesy of Sedgemoor District Council).

The main carnival procession starts at 7pm and will be led by the carnival committee’s official Guy Fawkes cart.

A total of 128 entries will follow, including over 50 illuminated carts.

A Bridgwater Carnival Committee spokesman said: “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 the Arts Council of England, Gerber Juice Company Ltd (main local event sponsor) and many other local businesses and organisations.”