In order to bring Carnival into the heart of the community, this year’s plan is to re-launch the traditional idea of Carnival Royalty to represent towns and parishes across the whole of the Somer Valley.

The first heat will take place this coming Friday, 18th September at Peasedown St John’s Beacon Hall between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Entry to the competition to become Carnival Queen, King, Prince and Princess for Peasedown St John for the next twelve months is free. On Friday evening, at the Beacon Hall, there will be two age entry categories, 5–9 years and 10–18 years.

On arrival, entrants will be asked to complete a form (with a parent/guardian if under sixteen) and will be given a number to be called up and answer three questions relating to why they would make a good member of Carnival Royalty for Peasedown St John.

A panel of judges will select the four winners and at the end of the evening, these will be announced.

“Our idea is that there will be a series of heats following the one in Peasedown St John – so far, venues and dates are confirmed for Radstock and Westfield, which will then select a Carnival Queen, King, Prince and Princess,” said Hazel Franklin, from the Midsomer Norton and District Carnival Association. “All the town and parish winners will then enter a Grand Final at Midsomer Norton Town Hall to determine the Carnival Royalty for 2015 who will travel in the glass coach at the head of the procession on the night of Monday, 16th November. The runners-up from each area will travel in cars as part of the procession.”

The next heat will be to select Radstock Carnival Royalty, with an event being hosted by the Victoria Hall on Friday, 25th September at 6.30 p.m. and which is open to anyone who lives in the parish of Radstock.

The new Carnival Royalty programme is part of plans to put the local carnival back on track. Following the return to Midsomer Norton High Street last year, this year’s event will be based on a much shorter route. It will start in Charlton Road, travel down Silver Street, up the High Street and end in Radstock Road.

Already entries have been coming in from prestigious County Carnival clubs.

This year, Midsomer Norton and District Carnival Association, whilst still organising the event overall, is receiving support from the Midsomer Norton Carnival Partnership, led by the town’s Community Trust. Running High Events are managing operational planning and logistics, and the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Rotary Club are running a sponsorship and promotional campaign to raise funding.

The organisers are appealing for volunteers to help. Marshals are needed to line the route, sellers for the souvenir programme, as well as collectors to gather money from the crowds on the night and then count to give to good causes. If you can help, please contact Hazel Franklin, on: 07595 470883.

Whilst Carnival is a great night out for the whole family to enjoy, it also raises a huge amount for local causes. Last year the event raised £7,498.64 and the aim this year is to double the amount.