FROME Carnival has been hailed as ‘incredibly amazing’ and bigger and better than ever’, with huge crowds lining the streets last weekend for the annual event.
On behalf of the Frome Carnival committee, Mandy Morgan told Frome Times, “It was the best carnival for years! We are all feeling quite chuffed, we promised a carnival that would be bigger and better than before and we feel that we have delivered. And the weather was on our side this year, which was lovely.
“We have been overwhelmed by the comments on social media, there has been so much positive feedback. We are still adding up all the money raised, but it looks like we have raised in the region of £4,000 – which is up on last year.”
“This year for the first time the Children’s Carnival began with the ‘carnival mile’ led by Rachel Clark as part of her ‘365 for WHY’ mile-a-day challenge for cancer counselling charity We Hear You (WHY) – it was the 100th mile of her challenge. This went very well, and was so popular we are in talks to make this an annual part of the carnival – it could be run for a different charity each year, or in memory of someone to raise money.
“The Children’s Carnival was very well attended, including pupils from Oakfield Academy and Pepperbox Nursery, who all looked fantastic.
“For the evening procession, attendance was up and we had more floats this year. One float actually broke down before the procession, but the group still took part as a walking entry, which we are very grateful for. The procession was very well received – I have never seen so many locals lining the streets – the support was amazing!
“There were lots of walking entries, many of them told us that Frome is their favourite carnival on the circuit. They say that the atmosphere and support is second to none, which must make up for the route being one of the hilliest!
“For the first time ever we had joint overall winners – Kipling Carnival Club with their float ‘Blue Smoke’, and Cary Comedians with their float ‘Klingons from Uranus’ – both will share the Butler & Tanner Social Club Cup.
“A huge thank you to the public, local group and organisations, and businesses for their support and sponsorship. And thank you to the judges, entrants, and the marshals who kept is safe – they were out until 2am the night before; and again until 2am after the carnival.”
As the dust settles on another memorable Frome Carnival, the committee is already looking ahead to next year and is appealing for support.
Mandy said, “This year we offered an ‘appearance fee’ as an incentive for people to take part in the carnival, and that has really paid off. To maintain this high level of attendance for the procession, we will need continued sponsorship from local businesses and organisations, and fundraising throughout the year.
“We would welcome more people to join the carnival committee to help with organising the annual event. Or for those who can’t make that commitment, we would love more fundraisers – so if you have an idea for a fundraising event, or would like to help, please do get in touch. Any help is gratefully received.”
To contact the Frome Carnival committee, email: info@fromecarnival.org.uk or visit www.fromecarnival.org.uk for more information.
