BRIDGWATER Guy Fawkes Carnival has received a grant from Arts Council England to support its work with schools and fund this year's entertainment.

The carnival has been awarded a National Lottery Projects Grant of £26,225 by the council's open access programme for arts, museums, and libraries.

The fund supports thousands of individual artist and community and cultural organisations through National Lottery investment.

This is the ninth consecutive year (excluding 2020 and 2021 due to Covid) that Bridgwater Carnival has received support from Arts Council England. 

The grant comes when community events are facing increased financial pressures due to rising costs.

Mike Crocker, president of the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee, said: “This grant was made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and it is absolutely fantastic news for everybody associated with our carnival.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank every person who plays the National Lottery. We wouldn't be able to do this without you.”

Chris Hocking, life member and director of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, added: “Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is the oldest carnival in the UK, and as well as helping to continually improve the role our carnival-related activities play in the development of arts in Somerset and the south west, this grant will also ensure it survives for future generations to enjoy.”

The grant will mainly be used to support the carnival committee's continued work with local schools, which introduces carnival skills to thousands of children.

It also provides the full programme of entertainment in the town on carnival day, which showcases music and street theatre performed by local and national artistes.

Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival will return on Saturday, November 5 after two years away because of Covid.

The carnival is one of Europe's largest illuminated processisions and attracts tens of thousands of people to Somerset every year. 

It also raises money for charities and good causes and makes a big contribution to the local economy.

Read more: Bridgwater’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant Cart joins parade in London

Read more: YouTuber's Bridgwater squibbing film hits one million views 

Chris added: “After an enforced two-year hiatus, we are really excited about this year’s carnival celebrations, and I have a feeling Bridgwater Carnival 2022 is going to be the biggest and best one yet.”

The Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Concerts will be held once more on the Bridgwater Town Hall stage between Monday, October 3 and Saturday, October 15.

Tickets are available from the event's official website (www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk/product-category/seats).

They can also be purchased from the Carnival Centre in Bridgwater's High Street. Prices range from £11.50 to £16.