COMMUNITY groups, charities, and individuals can learn more about getting involved with Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival at a drop-in session on Sunday. 

The open day will be held at the Carnival Centre in High Street between 11:30am and 3pm. 

It will present charities and not-for-profit organisations - perhaps inspired by the carnival's Jubilation cart at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant - to drop in and learn more about getting involved in Bridgwater's biggest night of the year.

It is also an opportunity for anyone interested in volunteering to help with this year’s carnival procession, which will start at 6pm on Saturday, November 5.

Jonathan Walter, Bridgwater Carnival’s collection officer, said: “Helping local charities and organisations to boost their funds has always been an integral part of our carnival activities, and there are a number of ways in which charities and groups could raise money from our carnival, including helping with the street collection, managing our official car parks, and selling souvenir programmes, to name just a few.

“On the day, we can talk through how these fundraising and volunteering activities work with interested charities and community groups, and we can explore how we can help each other.”

Between 1982 and 2019, a total of £835,396 has been collected at the event and shared between the official Bridgwater Carnival charity and its charity partners.

Jonathan, who is in his first year as collection officer for the carnival committee, added: “There is always a variety of fundraising opportunities available, and the more help and support we receive the more money we raise for good causes.

“I really do hope we see some new groups involved with this year’s carnival, and let’s make Bridgwater Carnival 2022 the biggest and best yet.”

Organisers are also looking for volunteers in other roles, such as marshalling and acting as carnival makers.