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Somerset carnival gets arts programme lottery boost
Bridgwater Carnival has been given a lottery cash boost of nearly £30,000. Arts Council England has awarded Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival with a National Lottery Projects Grant of £28,882.
The fund supports thousands of individual artists, community and cultural organisations thanks to National Lottery investment.
This is the tenth consecutive year, excluding the pandemic years, Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival has received support from Arts Council England. The news comes as preparations gather pace for this year’s carnival procession on November 4.
Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee president Mike Crocker said: “This grant was only made possible thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and it is absolutely fantastic news for everybody associated with our carnival.”
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The money will go to support the carnival’s skills workshop and artistic programme. Project leader Chris Hocking said: “For over a decade we have gone all-out to improve the role our carnival activities play in the development of arts in Somerset and the south west, introducing fresh ideas which are designed to bring enjoyment, increase involvement and promote well-being for our local community.
“The grant has been awarded for Bridgwater Carnival’s 2023 Skills Workshop and Artistic programme which will enable the delivery of a number of initiatives. This includes the continuation of our popular Schools Outreach Programme which supports the development of carnival skills and creative arts in young people through a wide range of activities which make learning fun.”
The money will also support workshops for adults with learning difficulties where they will design and make carnival costumes in readiness for their participation in this year’s carnival procession. The money will also be used towards a full and varied programme of live entertainment in the town centre on carnival day – showcasing music and street theatre performed by local and national artists.
Mr Hocking added: “These activities reflect our desire to include everyone of all ages and abilities in everything we do and to encourage more people to be involved and take part in our wonderful tradition.” Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival has the reputation for being one of the largest illuminated processions in Europe, and every year attracts tens of thousands of people to Somerset from all over the country and the world.
It raises a huge amount of money for charities and good causes, and also makes a big contribution to the local economy. Grandstand tickets for the popular procession cost £28, and are available at www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk/product/grandstand-seat/) and from the Carnival Centre, High Street, Bridgwater.
Carnival concerts are also returning to the Bridgwater Town Hall stage from October 2-14. Tickets for the 2023 show, which is sponsored by Howards Motor Group, are available at www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk/carnival-concert-tickets/), and from the Carnival Centre. Ticket prices range between £13.50 and £18.
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