The Midsomer Norton Carnival, whose procession takes place along the A367 in the Parish of Westfield, is due to take place on Thursday, 15th November from 7.30 p.m. This carnival seems to have bucked the trend of the larger carnivals as some of the bigger floats will not be appearing anywhere. This is partly because there was no Glastonbury Festival which many of these clubs relied on for funds and the present economic situation. Some are also finding it hard to get volunteers to finish off their floats.
This has boosted local entries e.g. the Gorgons and Key Kids, both of whom were regular entrants for many years at Midsomer Norton, will be coming here as walking groups, as they will in the in the County Carnivals. Altogether, the entry list is mainly as it usually is with all the favourites present.
Majorettes will as usual be at the head of the procession, near the glass coach with our newly-selected Carnival Queen, Aleesha White, Miss Carnival, Lucy Ivory, Princess, Lauren Tutchell, and Prince, Toby Thomas, happily waving to the hopefully large crowd.
Following will be the Tableau, Feature and Comic floats, interspersed with walkers both singles and in groups. For many who were worried, the 2Rs Club who were in a disastrous position in the early summer will now be present at the carnival after a hectic period of fund-raising.
Programmes are available at Reflections and Midsomer Norton Sports, both on Midsomer Norton's High Street. It is also available from the committee's
Facebook site at http://www.face">www.face book.com\midsomernorton carnival
Once again, the organisers are appealing for collectors on foot or with a collecting vehicle to come forward. The usual 40% will be returned to the collectors if they are in a group or singly and are collecting for a charity or club etc.
For more details, contact the Secretary on 01761 415334.
It is hoped that those watching will show their appreciation to the competitors and organisers by making it a bumper collection this year.
Coming again will be a couple of Jennings Fairground rides. As in past years they, will set up on the car park of Home Sweet Home pine furniture, opposite the Centurion Hotel on Charlton Road.
For safety reasons of the crowds, entries and workers as usual there will be road closures as listed below:
Westhill Road will be closed to ALL traffic from 6.00 p.m. to allow the floats to be marshalled.
The main A367 Bath/Exeter road closed from Radstock town centre to the White Post public house.
Welton Road closed from the junction with the A367 and the A362.
Charlton Road closed from the junction with the A367.
The roads will reopen to traffic at around 10.00 p.m.
Please note, that although it is an election day for the Police and Crime Commissioner, both the voting will go on as usual as well as the carnival.