As if on cue, with the fireworks signalling the beginning of Midsomer Norton’s Carnival on Monday evening, down came the rain, and in torrents, as last year. The crowds had still turned out in force, which was a relief to organisers after last year’s event, (which was relaunched on a new night and with a new route), limped to an end in bad weather after battling with Wells Hill in Radstock and never quite reaching Westfield. Whilst 2015 will be known as the year health and safety difficulties were overcome, organisers warn that next year’s event will need far greater financial support.

The new, shortened route saw the procession travel through Midsomer Norton only, beginning at Charlton Road and travelling down Silver Street, turning right the wrong way up the High Street and finishing along Radstock Road. Families put up marquees and fairy lights to watch the spectacle, and with some of the larger clubs returning, hopes are high for future events.

Organisers spoke this week of their delight and relief at this year’s result, after the entire event was under threat following last year’s difficulties. Speaking at a reception prior to the Carnival, the Mayor of Midsomer Norton, Paul Myers, said: “It was always our dream and ambition to see the Carnival to return to Midsomer Norton and Westfield has looked after it extremely well over the years.

“Last year was painful, and there has been a phenomenal amount of work and paperwork that we needed to do to comply with stringent health and safety conditions, but we are here and we made it.”

Carnival had enjoyed a long history in Midsomer Norton, with the dedication of the volunteers of the local Carnival Association, before moving up to Westfield for many years due to changes in the road layout. Last year, in an effort to revive the local Carnival and ultimately, with hopes to return to the County circuit and reattract the larger entries, a new route was tested and revised again this year.

This week’s event was one of the biggest in recent years, with green shoots starting to show in its recovery, organisers are hopeful for the future.

“Carnival Night 2015 shows just what a community can achieve when we work together. I’d like to thank the Carnival Association and all the other community groups and individuals who took part for all their hard work in producing a fantastic event this year,” added Paul Myers.

“The organisation of the event has moved light years ahead in terms of Health and Safety in the last twelve months, largely thanks to the input of Running High Events, who have done a fantastic job. We now have a world class Carnival that the whole community can be truly proud of.”

Commenting on the event, Steve Collins, Chair of the Midsomer Norton and District Carnival Association said this week: “Midsomer Norton Carnival is such an iconic event, it was great to see more people than ever before enjoying it. When we look back in years to come, I’m sure 2015 will be remembered as the year we finally sorted our route and operational safety issues.

“The challenge in 2016 will be all about building on our success by attracting sponsorship and funding to get Carnival on a more sustainable financial footing so that we can grow and develop this much loved event.”

As The Journal went to press, the provisional winners for each class were Gatsby, Huckyduck Carnival Club (Tableau), Gnome Sweet Gnome, Oasis Carnival Club (Local Tableau), Madagascar, Eclipse Carnival Club (Open Feature), Wonka, Shambles Carnival Club (Local Feature), Carnival Queen, Cary Comedians Carnival Club (Comic Feature), Childhood Days, Storm Carnival Club (Juvenile Club), Dead Man’s Quest, Muppets Carnival Club (Class 7), Scarecrow Rebellion, Dee Gees Carnival Club (Class 10), Ride to Rio, Jack’s Carnival Club (Class 11), Melita, Carina Haines (Class 12), Gatsby, Huckyduck CC (Class 13 and Class 14), Sister Michael, The Academy of Carnival (Class 15), Stardust Majorettes (Class 16), CISSP (Class 17).

See the photo special by our local photographers on Pages 24 and 25 using our digital edition tab to the right of the home page. You can also view our video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdwH7hchxxc