As this is my first column of 2023, it seems an appropriate and opportune moment to let you know when the 2023 Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnivals are taking place.
So get your electronic devices and new diaries at the ready, and make a note of the following dates:
Bridgwater Carnival
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Highbridge & Burnham-on-Sea Carnival
Monday, November 6, 2023
Weston-super-Mare Carnival
Friday, November 10, 2023
North Petherton Carnival
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Shepton Mallet Carnival
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Wells Carnival
Friday, November 17, 2023
Glastonbury Chilkwell Carnival
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Undoubtedly last year’s county carnivals were a huge success.
An estimated 400,000 people watched the seven carnivals, with over £107,000 being raised from the town street collections.
This resurgence in the popularity of our carnivals is something we need to embrace and behold, and we sincerely hope it continues in 2023.
Just before Christmas, we received the wonderful news that Jubilation, the carnival cart which took part in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant, has been shortlisted for not one, but two Creative Lives Awards.
The Creative Lives Awards have been in existence since 2010 and are an annual celebration of the achievements of voluntary and community-led creativity.
These awards are one of the most respected industry awards schemes, having recognised some truly iconic pieces of creative work over the last two decades.
Winners are featured in the Annual Awards edition of the Creative Review magazine, as well as online and through social media, reaching a global audience of millions.
The awards of managed by Creative Lives, and are open to any amateur creative group or project based in the UK and Ireland.
Jubilation has been nominated in two categories – the overall England Award and the People’s Choice Award, and we are absolutely delighted with this national recognition.
The continuing interest in the Jubilation cart is really quite humbling and satisfying for everybody who has been involved with the project.
It’s like the cart has now become a relatable and distinguished public symbol to the monarchy and Royal Family for everybody in carnival, in Bridgwater, in Somerset, and in the south west, and it is something we can all feel a personal and special connection with
The coveted People’s Choice Award is voted for by members of the public, and this is where we really need your help.
We would really appreciate it if you could take a couple of moments to vote for Jubiliation.
Voting is extremely simple and can be cast by visiting www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/peoples-choice-2022.
We are competing against 35 other nominees, and all votes need to be submitted by Friday 27 January 2023. And once you have voted, please ask your family and friends to do the same thing.
By doing so, you are showing your support to our beloved carnivals, Bridgwater, Somerset and the south west. Thank you so much for your continued support.
Until the next time…
Dave Stokes
Publicity director, Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival
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