The community came out in force to welcome Carnival back to town on Monday evening – with the hope that plenty of spare change will help benefit local groups who were out collecting on the night. Some of the collectors included Time is Precious, the St John’s Ambulance and Midsomer Norton Rugby Club’s youth team, amongst others.

As usual, the majorettes made their way through the procession, with a number of masqueraders and carts lighting up the night sky, despite the sometimes torrential rain!

After the event, the Midsomer Norton and District Carnival Association thanked everyone for their support. In a Facebook statement, a spokesperson said: “A big thank you to everyone that helped make tonight happen – the entries, marshals, judges, barrier crew, traffic management and everyone else that took time out to make it happen. Our count is now under way, and we are looking forward to seeing who the Spectators have chosen as the 2018 Spectators’ Choice!”

Speaking to The Journal, Mayor of Midsomer Norton, Cllr Paul Myers, said: “Huge thanks are due to the Midsomer Norton and District Carnival Association for working so hard to create a fabulous event for the whole family. It was great to see, yet again, the whole community coming together.”

The Carnival Association has had a difficult time this year with fundraising, as one of their main sources of income, the Bath Half Marathon, was cancelled in March due to snow. They have been holding different events throughout the year to help bring the event to the town.

More photographs can be found on our Facebook album, @MNRJournal.

Photos by Dave Urch and Becky Brooks.