A performer was taken to hospital after falling from a carnival cart during the Shepton Mallet annual carnival. The incident occurred shortly after the parade set off from Cannard’s Grave Road on the evening of Wednesday, November 12.
The injured performer was part of The Marketeers Carnival Club, whose entry this year featured a ‘Magic Garden’ theme. The parade was paused for nearly an hour while emergency services attended to the individual on site.
Fortunately, the performer’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. The Marketeers Carnival Club released a statement on social media expressing gratitude to everyone who assisted: “During the annual Shepton Mallet Carnival on November 12th, a performer on our ‘Magic Garden’ cart suffered a fall. They were treated on site and transported to a local medical facility for further care, and are now recovering. We thank everyone involved for their support and the carnival community for their kind words.”
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A witness told SomersetLive that the procession was halted for almost an hour before resuming. Meanwhile, the leading cart, Newmarket Carnival Club’s Ghost Chickens, provided music to entertain the crowd while emergency responders worked.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed their involvement, stating: “At around 8:40 pm, we were alerted to a carnival participant falling from a cart. Officers and St John’s Ambulance members provided first aid before transporting the individual to hospital. Injuries are not thought to be serious. The procession was temporarily stopped and resumed by 9:30 pm. We thank the public for their patience and understanding.”