Glitz and glitter to sparkle through town at next week’s carnival

GET ready for all the glitz and glitter at this year’s carnival on Saturday 23rd September and, with more entries than ever, the organisers say to expect a bumper show!

Thousands of people will fill the streets of the town to watch the processions with the children’s procession leaving at 2.30pm from Victoria Park (judging from 1.30pm) and the evening procession leaving the Marston Trading Estate at 7pm.

“It is fantastic that we have had more entries than ever this year,” said one of the organisers Mandy Morgan. “But this does come with extra costs so we are appealing to people to kindly donate just £1. We’ve made it easy to donate by introducing a ‘no cash – no problem’ theme with people being able to donate via a QR code which will be on the front of our programmes, on a lanyard which all of our collectors will be wearing and on our collection vehicles.

“When you scan the QR code, this will automatically generate a text message on your mobile and you just have to hit ‘send’. Alternatively, to donate a different amount you just need to text SUPPORTUS followed by the amount you wish to donate and send it to 70580.”

Earlier this year the carnival team appealed for further sponsorship when they said they were struggling to raise £14,000 needed for this year’s carnival.

“We do appreciate that money is tight for everyone but every single penny really does help,” said Mandy.

“Programmes will cost just £1 and each one will have a unique number on the back page. If this number is picked at our post carnival presentation, then you will win £50!”

There’s still time to enter the Carnival processions, with entries accepted up to the carnival day itself at 1.30pm for the children’s procession and until 5.30pm for the main evening procession.

The carnival team also say they still need volunteers and stewards to help at this year’s event and if you want to volunteer as a collector and fancy dressing up, the Roy Barnes Memorial Cup is awarded to the best dressed single or group of collectors.

Mandy added, “Thank you to all of our sponsors and volunteers, without you all carnival just wouldn’t happen.

“Please visit our website or message our Facebook page for further details.”