See all the photos from Frome carnival
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 enter into the procession this year. “It was wonderful. All the entries and the crowd were very enthusiastic,” she said.
“I do not think we have ever had a procession where the first float had finished the route and the last float was just leaving – a lot of people entered the procession!
“This year, there were so many creative entries and the standard was very, very good. The carnival really is a chance for people to be as creative as possible.
“I thought the children’s procession entries were fantastic. Their theme this year was ‘Disney’ and most of the costumes were handmade, a lot of time and effort has gone into the costumes. The children really enjoyed the route.”
Out of all the entries registered for the evening procession, Magnum Carnival Club took The Butler and Tanner Cup as the best of the 1st prize winners from classes 1-5. The Chuckles Carnival Club Cup, awarded to the best of the 1st prize winners from all walking classes, went to Enspired for their Spirit of the Hawk walking group. The colourful creativity of costumes was recognised with the Frome Carnival Shield for best costumes, which went to Quackers Carnival Club from Frome, while the Town Crier Best Costume Cup went to Little Devil’s Carnival Club from Frome.
An initial count of collections suggests that over £4,800 was raised from the day. 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.”
The success of this year’s carnival can only bode well for future carnivals, which have long been a centrepiece in Frome’s busy social calendar.
June said, “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.
“We have been so pleased with this year’s event. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the carnival possible. Thanks to all the sponsors, Dairy Crest, Kevin Corcoran carpets, Sainsbury’s, Rainbow International, and Moore’s Plastic, Postlebury Car and Commercial Ltd and many others who sponsored smaller amounts.
“We wish our chief marshall, John Dean, a speedy recovery. He was unable to help out at this year’s carnival, but thank you to all those who stood in, in his absence. Without them, the carnival may not have gone ahead.
“The carnival royalty were 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. Thanks to Joan and Joy for all their hard work putting refreshments on and a marvellous buffet for the volunteers. It kept us going.
“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.
