As well as offering a glittering spectacle, Midsomer Norton Carnival also raises thousands of pounds for local good causes.

The way this works is that local community groups and good causes can register for Carnival collection buckets and the estimated 7,000 attendees bring change – throwing coins into the collection floats and buckets.

“We’ve grown so much as an event that last year, the crowd watching the Carnival was so large that there weren’t enough collectors to gather the money in – something we’re looking to avoid this year by recruiting many more bucket holders,” said Hazel Franklin, the Midsomer Norton and District Carnival Association Secretary.

So, if your group would like to collect at Carnival, you could raise funds by receiving 40% of what you collect and at the same time, be part of the event, raising the profile of your group. Buckets will be handed in on the night and collectors will receive a cheque in the post. For further details, please ring: 07595 470883.