IF you dined in a swanky Parisian restaurant, or stayed in a plush five-star hotel, you’d expect to pick up a fairly hefty bill afterwards.

One of the best things about Bridgwater Carnival is that it’s free – but that doesn’t mean it’s cheap to stage.

The carnival is one of the things that makes Bridgwater well.... Bridgwater, and it needs every penny it can get.

You can do your bit by digging into your pockets and donating just a bit of cash.

Some 400 collectors will be on the streets tonight and there will also be six collection carts.

Organisers are hoping to beat last year’s collection total of £24,581 – the highest street collection since 2008.

If you do donate, you won’t just be helping to secure future processions, you’ll be helping a whole host of local groups and charities.

Money collected on the night will benefit the registered Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival charity, as well as the following: Albemarle Centre, Brainwave, Break 4 Kids (YHA), Bridgwater and District Fibromyalgia Support Group, Bridgwater Area Association for the Elderly, Bridgwater Hospital League of Friends, Bridgwater Lions International, Bridgwater Rotary Club, Bridgwater Sea Cadets, Bridgwater Victoria Park Rangers FC, Bridgwater Wolves FC, British Red Cross – Bridgwater Branch, Cancer Research UK, Cannington Primary School PTA, Carers Trust, Compass Disability Services, Marie Curie Cancer Care, MIND – Taunton and West Somerset, Quantock Vale Young Farmers Club, Royal British Legion, Rhode Lane Wanderers JFC, Robert Blake Science College, Ron Peberdy Cyberknife Trust, SNAP and Somerset Rural Youth Project.

  • Keep an eye out for Bridgwater Carnival Committee’s collection mascot, Pete the Pound – and make sure to give him a wave – and some money!
  • Bridgwater Carnival has well and truly entered the digital age, and you can now donate using your computer or mobile phone. Visit bridgwatercarnival.org.uk, or text BGFC12 to 70070 followed by £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10.