The Wessex carnival circuit continues this Saturday as it visits Frome, following its recent start in Mere last weekend. On the same evening, the South Somerset carnival circuit will commence in Wellington.
However, organisers have issued a warning that this year’s Frome Carnival could be the town’s final event of its kind unless further financial support is found. This comes in the wake of the Trowbridge carnival, part of the Wessex circuit, being cancelled this year due to insufficient funds.
Organisers commented:
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“The annual Frome Carnival will take place on Saturday 26th September, but it may be the last unless more funding is acquired. Many people do not realise that Frome’s carnival is unique among Somerset’s carnivals, as it is the only one registered as a charity. It is not only a spectacular community event but also raises thousands of pounds yearly for the Carnival Charity.”
“The funds raised are donated back to the local community, benefiting individuals, organisations and various good causes. This truly is Frome’s Carnival and Frome’s Charity, relying heavily on the goodwill and support of the town’s people and businesses. Due to the procession collections being directed into the charity account, the costs of staging the carnival must be covered through other means. These funds are raised by the committee through events such as the June Fun Day, the annual duck race, the 100 Club, as well as sponsorships, donations and grants.”
“Many are unaware that putting on the carnival involves costs exceeding £10,000 annually, covering expenses such as barriers, road cones and signage, radio equipment, portable toilets, public liability insurance, medical cover, prize money, bands, and venue and vehicle hire.”
To facilitate the procession safely, there will be a number of road closures in Frome on Saturday:
From 3:00 pm to 10:30 pm:
- Manor Road: from the junction with B3090 The Butts to Manor Way
- Manor Way: entire length
From 6:00 pm to 11:59 pm:
- B3090 Bath Street: entire length
- B3090 Market Place: entire length
- B3090 The Bridge: entire length
- B3090 North Parade: entire length
- B3090 Fromefield: from North Parade junction extending 150 meters northeast
- Berkley Road: entire length
- Clink Road: from Whitestone Road to Forest Road
- Eagle Lane: entire length
- A362 Christchurch Street East: entire length
- B3090 Wesley Slope: entire length
- B3090 Butts Hill: entire length
- A362 Gorehedge: entire length
Additionally, illuminated carnival events are scheduled across the South West this autumn:
East Devon Circuit:
- Sidmouth: Saturday 26 September, 7:30 pm
- Budleigh Salterton: Saturday 3 October, 7:30 pm
- Ottery St. Mary: Friday 16 October, 8:00 pm
- Honiton: Saturday 24 October, 7:30 pm
Wessex Grand Prix:
- Frome: Saturday 26 September, 7:00 pm
- Shaftesbury: Saturday 3 October, 7:15 pm
- Gillingham: Saturday 10 October, 7:15 pm
- Wincanton: Friday 16 October, 7:30 pm
- Castle Cary: Saturday 17 October, 7:00 pm
- Warminster: Saturday 31 October, 6:45 pm
South Somerset Federation:
- Wellington: Saturday 26 September, 7:30 pm
- Ilminster: Saturday 3 October, 7:15 pm
- Chard: Saturday 10 October, 7:30 pm
- Taunton: Saturday 17 October, 7:00 pm
Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association:
- Bridgwater: Saturday 7 November, 6:00 pm
- Burnham-on-Sea: Monday 9 November, 7:30 pm
- Weston-super-Mare: Friday 13 November, 7:00 pm
- North Petherton: Saturday 14 November, 7:00 pm
- Shepton Mallet: Wednesday 18 November, 7:30 pm
- Wells: Friday 20 November, 7:00 pm
- Glastonbury: Saturday 21 November, 6:45 pm
Independent Carnivals:
- Midsomer Norton: Monday 16 November, 7:30 pm
Residents and visitors attending the event are advised to plan accordingly, paying attention to road closures and parking restrictions to ensure safety during the procession.