Carnival has now rolled out of the area for another year, having brought bright lights and fun to people locally during our cold and dark November evenings.

Whilst these events are free to go and watch, the volunteers that organise Carnival rely on the generous donations of the crowds, with a percentage of everything collected going to local charities and good causes.

The total collected this year was £5,521.91; £900 less than last year’s collection. But organisers are not downbeat about this, as, pound for pound, it has been reported that Midsomer Norton residents were more generous with their donations. Collecting less was a trend across all Carnivals this year, one that organisers will need to rethink to keep them sustainable.

The Journal caught up with Chair of the Midsomer Norton & District Carnival Association, Steve Collins, as he reflected on this year’s event.

“This year’s Midsomer Norton Carnival went very well, and we were blessed with fine weather and a good collection on the night, despite it being down on last year’s total.

“I think there are a couple of reasons for that – we are moving towards a cashless society; but equally, we have heard about people going to the bank just to get coins ready for Carnival.

“We have already started thinking about ways to increase our collection; to cover our costs and to benefit local community groups and charities. Firstly, readers can still donate through our website, at: illuminatedcarnival.co.uk If anyone who feels able to do so can donate £5, this will go a long way in ensuring we are able to organise the largest commnity event in the area.

“You can also become a Carnival Patron for £10, again through the website, which sees you listed as a supporter on our website and in the Carnival programme next year.

“We are also encouraging local PTAs to get in touch – this year, five local schools sold light-up toys, with a percentage of what they sell going back to the school. A further two schools have signed up for next year, and it is a good opportunity for any that want to join us.

“We were short of collectors on the night, and I think that had a lot to do with the total being down. Forty percent goes back to our charity collectors, so if anyone would like to take part in this, then they would be very welcome.

“Our main fundraising throughout the year comes from stewarding at local events across the area, such as the Bath Half Marathon in March.

“Our main aim at the moment is to maintain and slowly build the Carnival in Midsomer Norton. We have a lot of work to do in terms of the financial side; and we are very grateful for the funding that we receive from Midsomer Norton Town Concil.

“Obviously we are very keen to develop the event financially, so we are always looking for more sponsors, and as the event grows, we hope to get more entries back and make it more sustainable. It is a major event in the year which gives local charities the opportunity to raise funds and without Carnival, an opportunity on this scale wouldn’t happen.

“We are very blessed that we are very well supported by the local community, whatever the weather. They come out in force, whatever happens, and we’ve had some great comments already this year.

“We are engaging with the clubs who do not yet come to the town, and are always looking for extra help.

“There are lots of different and varied roles that exist within the Carnival Association at the moment. We all use our own skills and support; everyone is a volunteer with lives and jobs, but we do it for the love of it. The more people that want to help will spread the load and allow us to get more done.

“The route now works exceptionally well, and it is great to see Carnival return to the town centre. It’s about making sure we bring a great show to the town each year, and keeping this fond tradition of ours alive.

Joining the Carnival Association is the perfect way to do just that.”

To donate, or for more information, visit: illuminatedcarnival.co.uk or find them on Facebook @Midsomer Norton & District Carnival.