BRIDGWATER Guy Fawkes Carnival and Bridgwater and Taunton College have teamed up to provide aspiring marshals with a free College Certificate in Event Marshalling for this year’s carnival weekend activities.

The certificate takes just two hours to complete and is recognised by event organisers throughout the South West.

As well as enhancing an individual’s employability skills, it also means those who complete the course could work as a marshal at other volunteering and paid events across the county.

Duncan White, Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival’s safety director said: “Following a two year enforced pause due to the pandemic, we are expecting this year's Bridgwater Carnival to be busier than ever and we are looking to increase the numbers of volunteer marshals out on the streets on Friday November 5.

“Marshals are essential for the safe management of our carnival, and one way we felt could help with the recruitment of these volunteers was to offer a bespoke event marshalling training course free of charge.

“So if you are over 18 years of age, enthusiastic, keen to learn, enjoy being part of a team, and would like to volunteer at this year’s carnival, then we would love to hear from you. Marshals play a massive role in making our carnival a safe, secure and happy environment, and our procession could not go head without their invaluable support.”

In return for the free training, those who complete the training will be expected to volunteer at one or more of the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival 2022 weekend events:

  • Friday November 4 - Grand Firework Display (17:00 hours to 20:00 hours)

Saturday November 5:

  • Carnival daytime entertainment programme (09:00 hours to 16:00 hours)
  • Carnival procession (16:00 hours to 21:00 hours)
  • Squibbing (20:00 hours to 22:00 hours)

White added: “Volunteering at our carnival is a lot of fun, and by doing so you will also be helping a much loved community event maintain its reputation of being one of the best and largest illuminated processions in Europe.”

For more information on the marshalling certificate or how to get involved, email Duncan at duncan@bridgwatercarnival.org.uk.

The courses will be taking place in the daytimes, evenings and weekends during September and October.