AS CARNIVAL celebrations returned following a three-year pandemic-related hiatus, Bridgwater Carnival Guy Fawkes Committee has announced it has donated over £30,000 to charities, local community groups, clubs, and non for profit organisations.

The monies were raised during Bridgwater Carnival-related activities in 2022, and were from collections made at the grand firework display and on carnival night itself, through the staffing of official car parks on the big day, from the commission received through the sale of souvenir programmes, and through the activities of the Christmas themed cart.

The following charities and organisations received donations totalling £24,538.35, some of which were in recognition for their assistance and services during Bridgwater Carnival 2022:

  • Bridgwater Rotary Club - £4337.97
  • Cancer Research UK - £3348.96
  • Wellington & Taunton Young Farmers - £2000.00
  • Bridgwater Operatic Society - £1563.50
  • Westfield Church - £1502.75
  • Freewheelers - £861.51
  • SNAP - £836.20
  • Wilstock Hub - £811.75
  • Lime Kiln CC - £758.46
  • Bridgwater Wolves FC - £628.80
  • Bridgwater Guide Rangers - £602.17
  • Phoenix Bridgwater Scout Group - £527.93
  • British Flag CC - £451.61
  • Bridgwater Talking Newspaper - £439.82
  • Bridgwater Sea Cadets - £438.23
  • ARC - £391.81
  • Promise Works - £391.34
  • Centurion CC - £383.52
  • Catcott Village Association - £375.00
  • Weston Super Mare Operatic Society - £368.50
  • Polden Bower School - £367.05
  • New Diection Majorettes - £320.59
  • Stardust CC - £296.75
  • Young Musical Theatre Company - £250.24
  • Sydenham Improvement Centre - £242.28
  • Marketeers CC - £220.74
  • Children’s Hospice South West - £200.00
  • Bridgwater & Albion Youth RFC - £197.02
  • Wellington Disability FC - £187.59
  • Reclaim – Freedom from Domestic Abuse - £183.07
  • Middlezoy FC - £181.69
  • Old Morganians RFC - £135
  • Renegades CC - £125.96
  • Inner Wheel - £112.50
  • Crusaders CC - £94.41
  • YMCA CC - £84.00
  • Ramblers CC - £72.00
  • Crusader Cubs - £59.33
  • Gremlins CC - £54.00
  • Cavaliers CC - £52.30
  • Marina Sydenham JCC - £48.00
  • ​Westonzoyland CC - £24.00
  • ​Wilfs CC - £10.00

In addition to this an extra £5,600 was raised for 12 charity groups and local carnival clubs by carnival organisers by taking a Christmas-themed carnival cart around the supermarkets and streets of Bridgwater during the run-up to Christmas 2022.

Jonathon Walters, Collection Officer for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, said: “Helping not-for-profitcommunity groups, clubs and not-for-profit organisations to boost their funds is an integral part of the carnival which we are all very proud of, and is something which many people overlook.

“Every year 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.

“If you are interested in these opportunities at Bridgwater Carnival 2023, please contact me at collection@bridgwatercarnival.org.uk.”

Bridgwater Mercury:

Meanwhile, Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival’s Jubilation carnival cart which took part in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London back in June 2022, has been nominated for two national awards.

Jubilation has been nominated for the overall England Award and the People’s Choice Award in the coveted Creative Lives Awards.

These awards have been in existence since 2010 and are an annual celebration of the achievements of voluntary and community-led creativity.

The People’s Choice Award is voted for by members of the public, and this is where we really need the help of the local community and carnival supporters in voting for Jubilation.

Voting is extremely simple and can be done by visiting this website.

Jubilation is competing against 35 other nominees, and all votes need to be submitted by Friday 27 January 2023.