SCHOOLS who usually make costumes for the carnival were set to miss out for the second year running - but Bridgwater Carnival is helping to bring back the joy of the event.

Many carnivals around the country are usually staged in the summer, but this year are being forced to move online.

Although Bridgwater Carnival remains hopeful there will still be some carnival celebrations later this year, organisers are helping out with National Children's Carnival Week this summer.

“The idea for a National Children’s Carnival Week arose in conversation with the UK Centre for Carnival Arts (UKCCA) in Luton," said Sarah Humphrey, schools liaison officer for Bridgwater Carnival.

"Like many carnival organisers, they were faced with a re-imagining for their event – the Luton International Carnival, usually held in May.

"This meant that many schools who would normally engage in costume making for their parade were missing out for the second year running.

"Covid-19 has had devastating impacts on our young people, with teachers and parents coming under enormous pressure to keep children learning through the pandemic.”

For National Children's Carnival Week, each event will offer an arts packaged to schools and youth organisations so the children can create their own carnivals at home.

Clary Salandy, artistic director at UKCCA, added: “Our dream is to have all children in the UK celebrate carnival together in their schools.

“The aim is to inspire children and young people through the creation of costumes, music, songs, and dance, in a celebration which will provide uplifting experiences and radiate the camaraderie everyone desperately needs.”

Bridgwater Carnival will be sharing their 'Once Upon A Time' theme and offer schools and community family groups free online workshops.

For more information contact Bridgwater Carnival by emailing entertainment@bridgwatercarnival.org.uk or call 01278 428220.