FROME Street Carnival has announced that this year’s procession will not go ahead – but have promised that the community will still enjoy the spirit of carnival at a number of other events.
The carnival’s committee will instead host its annual fun day in Victoria Park on what would have been the day of the procession, Saturday 25th September.
They will also host pub quizzes throughout the year, its duck race, and a number of challenge events, to help raise money for local charities.
And they have promised that the procession will return in style for 2022.
The committee said, “In line with other local carnivals and the larger Somerset Guy Fawkes Circuit, Frome have taken the difficult decision to cancel our normal carnival street processions for September 2021.
“The health and safety of everyone involved in the creation of the entries, running the event and the spectators remains our top priority and we need to consider all current restrictions and any that may be in place in September.
“All clubs who normally enter have not been able to fundraise over the last year or get together to build their entries and the planned lifting of restrictions in June will not give them enough time to do this.
“We do intend to hold our annual fun day/dog show in Victoria Park on carnival day (Saturday 25th September) rather than in June when it is normally held.
“We hope to also incorporate a fancy dress parade around the park as part of this event, further details to follow.
“We are also aware of the impact this postponement for a second year will have on the local charities and groups that we normally support by donating the proceeds of the procession collections.
“We therefore intend to hold as many other fund raising events as we possibly can so that we will hopefully still be able to support these local well deserving causes; events such as: Pub Quiz nights at the Masons Arms; Duck Race; Sponsored Sky Dive; Spot in the window; and a challenge to walk as many local carnival routes as possible in return for sponsorship. Further details on these to be released soon.
“As always we would welcome anyone who has any other fundraising ideas or who would like to be involved in carnival in any way to get in touch with us by email info@fromecarnival.org.uk or via our Frome Carnival Facebook page, as we are in need of more willing helpers.
“We meet once a month, usually the third Monday at 7.45pm at the Masons Arms, so just come along to the next one on 17th May.
“We know this announcement will cause huge disappointment to the people of the town, but we hope you understand the reasons for this decision and that you will support us with the events that we can hold and we all look forward to a big celebratory return in 2022.”
