A HUGE turnout, even more creative entries and generous donations from the public have helped make this year’s Frome Carnival one of the best ever.
Carnival fever hit Frome on Saturday, with a children’s procession in the afternoon followed by the main procession in the evening. Organisers have applauded the local community, who flocked to the day’s events to support the spectacle and help Carnival spirit fill the town.
June Barnes, chair of the Carnival committee said she was delighted to see so many people turn up to watch the procession this year. “It was wonderful,” she said. “We estimate that around 20,000 turned out and it’s great to see the community supporting the event. It was very upsetting that inconsiderate motorists had parked on the road and disrupted the afternoon procession, but it was otherwise a lovely Carnival.
“There were so many creative entries in the procession and the entrants clearly worked hard; the standard was very, very good. The Carnival really is a chance for people to be as creative as possible. The judging committee got their results out in record time, too.”
Out of all the entries registered for the evening procession, Hot Rock Carnival Club took The Butler and Tanner Cup as the best overall float from classes 1-5. The Chuckles Carnival Club Cup, awarded to the best of the 1st prize winners from all walking classes, went to Dee Gees Carnival Club. The Town Crier Best Costume Cup went to Natasha Shaw’s ‘Dragon Queen’ outfit.
An initial count of collections suggests that over £5,000 was raised from the day, roughly a £300 increase on last year’s figure. The Carnival is a registered charity and funds go to local people in need, which in the past have covered everything from electric scooters for disabled people to playgroups.
June said, “Carnival really is for the people of Frome. All the money collected goes back into the charity account to help those in need in the town. We are really grateful to all those that kindly donated. It really does take all year round to raise funds to put the Carnival on. We always need more volunteers and funding in advance of the event so that we can be sure of covering the costs of putting on the Carnival. The Carnival royalty were also fantastic and really helped in gathering donations, they did a marvellous job. Thanks to the dedicated committee who work hard all year round to make the event a success and to everyone who helped out or supported us in any way, as well as all those who turned up on the day. We are always looking for more volunteers to help with putting the Carnival on each year.”
If you would like to join the Carnival committee contact June on 01373 461625.
