THE Bridgwater Carnival has received a boost after being handed almost £30,000 of lottery money.

The event, which this year takes place on Saturday, November 4, has been awarded the cash by the National Lottery Arts Council.

It is set to be spent on activities such as the children's parade and the carnival trail, as well as other attractions surrounding the main processions.

Malcolm Cattle, president of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, said: “The grant from the Arts Council is meant for the development of carnival skills and education and has previously enabled us to run activities such as the popular children’s parade on carnival day, the carnival trail and fibreglass mask making, model cart making competition and the children’s lantern parade.

"The funding also assists other carnivals from across the country to visit Bridgwater Carnival and share their own traditions with us.

"The continued support of the National Lottery Arts Council means we will be able to maintain and improve our work with schools and include even more entertainment on carnival day – watch this space for some exciting announcements.”

Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England, said: “Bridgwater Carnival has a long history of animating the town’s streets and creating exciting opportunities for local people.

“We are pleased to support them through our National-lottery funded Grants for the arts programme to provide a programme of creative learning in the community.

"The investment will support workshops in schools and at Bridgwater College. This work will engage young people and the community in carnival activities, nurturing talent and developing skills so the benefits of art and culture can be felt beyond the procession night.”

As part of the funding, free practical courses are being run at Bridgwater College on subjects such as costume making, set design and build, stage make up, welding as well as other carnival related subjects.

Contact Chris Hocking on 01278 428220 or email chris@bridgwatercarnival.org.uk for more details.