On Monday, 10th November next week, history will be made with a new route for Midsomer Norton Carnival which returns to the town after a long absence, Radstock for the first time and back at Westfield.
To enjoy the fantastic visual spectacle of carnival, you will need to be in Midsomer Norton for a 7.30 p.m. start, central Radstock for 8 p.m. or central Westfield for 8.15 p.m. As this is the first time on a new route, the timings are advisory only – so get there early on the night to avoid disappointment.
With rising enthusiasm in the district for the expansion of this much loved event, large crowds are expected. The organisers, Midsomer Norton and District Carnival Association, are appealing for local people to walk to the carnival rather than taking their cars – leaving parking for visitors coming from a distance.
The money that Carnival raises doesn't all go to cover the estimated £40,000 of putting the event on. In addition, local charities benefit. For example, this year the Carnival Association has linked up with Time is Precious, whose volunteers will be selling glowsticks to the expected 20,000 people attending. For every stick sold for a pound, 40p will go to helping the charity with the rest covering the cost of the stick and Carnival. This arrangement will be mirrored across all the collectors – resulting in thousands of pounds being raised for local charities.
B&NES have progressed with roadworks at the bottom of Midsomer Norton High Street. With the new traffic island in place, everything is set for the carnival to travel up the High Street and make history. Thanks also to Midsomer Norton Town Council, Westfield Parish Council and B&NES for their financial support.
With over twenty major floats already booked in for the night, compared to the usual seven attending at Westfield in recent years, the event is already three times larger. More significant is the number of carnival clubs either returning to the event, as a result of the new route, or coming for the first time. Gemini, part of the South Somerset Carnival Circuit and a major county cup contender, is all signed up. So is Huckyduck, based in Coleford – this club hasn't been to Midsomer Norton Carnival for many years. Add to this, the myriad of walking entries, majorettes and of course, Carnival Royalty, and all is set for a night to remember.
Carnival supporters are calling for as many people as possible to come and support this new initiative, so that the event can begin to grow again. The ultimate hope is that with the full backing of the community, Midsomer Norton can regain its County Circuit Status in 2015. For further details of the road closures and details of the event, visit: http://www.illuminatedcarnival.co.uk">www.illuminatedcarnival.co.uk