TOMMY Banner, accordionist and vocalist with The Wurzels, is set to take part in Bridgwater Carnival 2019.

The Somerset based music legend, who is celebrating his 52nd year with the chart topping band, will join the procession on Saturday, November 2 and encourage the thousands of spectators who are expected to line the route to dig deep into their pockets and contribute to this year’s street collection

Mike Dodden, collection officer for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Tommy will be part of our carnival procession this year, and we are really looking forward to seeing him work his special magic on the crowd.

“Somerset is synonymous with The Wurzels and our illuminated carnivals, and so having the two working together in partnership for the good of Bridgwater Carnival is something which we can all be extremely proud of.”

This will be the third time Tommy has taken part in Bridgwater Carnival, after previously appearing in the town’s 2004 and 2006 carnivals. In other years when he’s not working, he can often be spotted in the crowd on carnival night watching the procession go by.

Tommy added: “I believe Bridgwater Carnival is the best illuminated carnival procession in the world, and since I arrived in the West Country in 1967, you can count on one hand the number of times I have missed the carnival.

“I am truly honoured to have been asked to be part of it again this year, and I can’t wait to the big night and get on the microphone and ask people to donate to the street collection. So please get your purses and wallets at the ready, cos I’m coming to get your money.

"I would encourage anyone who hasn't been to Bridgwater Carnival to make sure you see it at least once.

"It is like the first night of a big London West End show with everybody really going for it. There is nothing else like it and it brings light and joy in the drab winter nights."

Meanwhile, there is still time for charities, non for profit organisations, and other good causes to register their interest in benefiting from Bridgwater Carnival 2019.

For more information, contact Mike at collection@bridgwatercarnival.org.uk or on 07540 052982.

Last year £18,242.05 was shared between 50 charities, community groups, clubs and not for profit organisations, and this year carnival organisers are hoping to raise even more.