Midsomer Norton Carnival Association is appealing to community groups and organisations to help support this year’s event on Monday, 13th November. Whilst the Carnival, which has returned to Midsomer Norton High Street, is becoming bigger and better, the costs are also ever increasing, and organisers are hoping that the public will come out in force to keep the event viable in the future.

Organisers also desperately need volunteers to collect donations from the crowds when the illuminated spectacular rolls into town next month.

Volunteers will take home a 40% share of all the money they collect in their bucket for a charity or good cause of their choice. The remaining 60% will go towards ensuring next year’s event can go ahead.

The popular event, which is supported by Midsomer Norton Town Council, has seen costs dramatically increase since it moved from Westfield to Midsomer Norton High Street in 2014.

Chairman of Midsomer Norton Carnival Association, Steve Cooper, said: “In recent years, we’ve seen the Midsomer Norton Carnival become bigger and better than ever before with the return to the High Street. It’s great to see so many more people enjoying the show, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the crowds again this year.

“It costs a huge amount to make sure the event is safe and all the legal requirements are met, so we desperately need support to help cover the costs.

“We work tirelessly fundraising throughout the year, and are hugely grateful to the council for their grant and to the businesses and organisations that kindly support us. Now we are reaching out to the local community in a plea for help.

“We desperately need donations from everyone who comes down to enjoy the show. It doesn’t have to be much – just please, please chuck a couple of quid in a bucket.

“We also need people to collect from the crowd on the night and offer the chance for local clubs, charities, groups, and organisations to raise money for their own funds while helping keep carnival alive in Midsomer Norton.”

Carnival will start in Charlton Road at 7.30 p.m., travelling down Silver Street, back up Midsomer Norton High Street and the last cart will cross the finish on Radstock Road at around 10 p.m.

Road closures and parking suspensions will apply along the whole procession route.