Midsomer Norton and District Carnival Association invites you to its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 20th March. As the largest and most breathtaking community event in Midsomer Norton and the surrounding district, the team are actively looking for people of all ages and abilities to help organise this year’s spectacular illuminated Carnival.

Since the first Carnival on Friday, November 12th 1948, we’ve come a long way; the existing small team of volunteers have transformed and revitalized our local carnival, not only fulfilling its long-term ambition of returning the procession back to the High Street, but also ensuring the route would give the Carnival new opportunity for growth.

And growth has indeed arrived, with the return of many of the entrants, such as the Somerset County Guy Fawkes Champions and respected locals, Huckyduck Carnival Club as well as many others also returning to the streets of Midsomer Norton for our glittering illuminated parade.

However, we’ve got our sights set much higher, and we want to secure the future of our Carnival for generations to come – with an illuminated Carnival to rival many of our neighbouring towns. But we need extra help to make our dream a reality.

From full blown members to those that just want to support our cause, we are looking for help to take the next step – we have a number of roles that we need to fill and plenty of jobs that need to be done. Some require little commitment and others a bit more, but the important thing is that no matter what time you can spare or what abilities you have, we will experience the challenges and rewards as well as the sense of achievement and joy that Carnival brings, but most importantly, we’ll do it together as a community.

Sure, it’s a long journey, but it’s one that we can make happen together. If you want to know more, come along to our AGM on Tuesday, 20th March at 7.30 p.m. at Midsomer Norton Town Hall, or, alternatively, get in contact via social media or visit: www.illuminatedcarnival.co.uk.

We will also be holding a charity Cider Night on Saturday, 21st April – if you’d like a chat, pop in and see us – it could be a life-changing experience!

Steve Collins