The much-loved Illuminated Carnival Processions will be missing as we know them from the streets of Wellington, Ilminster, Chard and Taunton this autumn.

The safety and wellbeing of everyone involved as participants, spectators and the supporting Emergency and Public Services must come above everything else. In these circumstances the Carnival Committees in the four towns have reluctantly, but responsibly, decided the Processions cannot go ahead as usual.

Carnivals are by their very nature inclusive and sociable affairs. This starts with Clubs meeting together to build entries right through to the huge public spectaculars with thousands of spectators thronging the streets. The need for ongoing social distancing for months to come is already impacting on Carnival Clubs and other entries being able to either raise funds or begin building for this year.

We are living in challenging and unprecedented times for all of us. This is a huge disappointment to all of us and we, like everyone else, will follow developments and advice over the coming weeks and months in the hope that we will be able to celebrate Carnival Days in public in some form or other.”

For now it’s important for everyone to stay safe. Carnival WILL be back in all its full glory and splendour next year

Wellington – 25 September 2021

Ilminster – 2 October 2021

Chard – 9 October 2021

Taunton – 16 October 2021