NEWS
OCTOBER 2023
TAUNTON CARNIVAL DAY!
DURING THE DAY
To start Carnival Day we will have stalls outside the Market House from 10am to Noon with Tone FM to launch our first Carnival Program for many years, with a tombola stall, and a visit from Cllr Nick O’Donnell, the Mayor of Taunton.
PROCESSION
The 56th Annual Illuminated Procession moves off this Saturday at 7pm sharp from the bridge in Tangier Way and down into Wood Street. It turns right into Bridge Street before going up through the town centre into East Street and down over East Reach to the Finish line on Chritchard Way.
Robes and chains will be much in evidence at the front of the Procession with our Mayor and Mayoress walking the route accompanied by the High Sheriff, the Chairman of Somerset Council and the Mayors of Axbridge and Wellington with their consorts.
Floats and walkers depicting themes ranging from ‘Just Another Day in Hollywood’ to ‘Buffalo Creek’ will wend their way along the mile long route, taking about an hour to pass any one point. Wellington, Ilminster and Chard have hosted the Procession over the last three Saturdays. The majority of entries appearing there proudly showed off the costumes they’ve spent weeks putting together and now bring to Taunton. As well as being out to entertain the crowds they are competing in a dozen different classes for coveted local trophies, and points towards the overall South Somerset Federation awards. Carnival is full of friendly rivalry so holding the cups aloft in front of the competition can be more important than the prize money!
Bringing up the rear will be the one vehicle the organisers hope not to need – a Breakdown Recovery unit kindly provided by Frost Rescue from Bridgwater. If all goes according to plan this should cross the finish line at about 9.15pm.
VOTE FOR YOUR WINNERS
You can pick your own winners on the night. The Public Choice competition voting will be on Facebook. All the votes from the four South Somerset Federation towns put together will decide the best float and best walking entries.
CHARITIES
Taunton Carnival Committee organises events throughout the year, culminating in the Procession, for two main purposes – to raise money for local charities and organisations and contribute to town’s social calendar.
During the evening Procession there will be dozens of Official Collectors on the ground. Please empty your pockets and give them a busy and successful night. The reward for performers and event organisers alike is to see all the collecting tins full and piles of coins on the lorries. Treasurer Roz Swinburne commented “If everyone put in £1 or 50p coins we’d easily have a record collection! Of course we don’t mind what coins or notes come our way but we do need a lot of them please. We’re happy if it takes us all day Sunday to count it.”
People can also give using QR codes and Tap & Pay. The codes will be displayed on posters around the town as well as on all the collecting tins. Some collectors will have Tap & Pay machines.
ROAD CLOSURES, TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS AND PARKING
Carnival is a big undertaking and attracts thousands of spectators into the town centre. To get the Procession safely through some roads need to be closed. Castle Street between the entrances to Tangier and Castle Street car parks and Tangier Way down to the junction with Wood Street will be closed to traffic from 2.00pm to allow all the entries to assemble and get ready for the evening’s show. Access to Tesco and Lidl will not be affected. Enfield car park will be closed all day.
The route through the town centre will be closed at 6.30pm between at Bridge Street and Chritchard Way so it is clear of traffic before the crowds move in to line the pavements.
The official east-west diversion avoiding the town centre is Priory Avenue, Trenchard Way, Staplegrove Road, Silk Mills Road and Wellington Road. Access to Musgrove Park Hospital is available at all times via the diversion or using local knowledge.
Vehicles will not be able to move from Wood Street, Yarde Place, Haydon Road or Victoria Gate on to the route whilst the Procession is taking place, between 6.30pm and around 9pm. Traffic form the Wood Street area can get out area via Cleveland Street and French Weir Recreation Ground.
All Somerset Council car parks except Enfield are open as usual. The Orchard Multi-Storey will close at 7pm. Exit from Victoria Gate will not be possible until East Reach has been reopened after the Carnival. Wood Street has an exit route via French Weir Recreation Ground. Supermarket and retail area car parks will operate under their usual rules and time restrictions.
Taunton Town Football Club’s car park is open for the evening on a fee basis.
SAFETY
Planning the Carnival is a round the clock activity for the Committee, with much of the work behind the scenes. Carnival Secretary John Lewis said “We work closely with the Emergency Services and Somerset Council in the Safety Advisory Group. Everything is recorded in the Event Management Plan so we can deliver the Procession safely for all involved.”
There are Marshals all along the route to keep an eye on spectators and make sure the Procession passes safely. These are closely supported by local Police, with St John Ambulance crews from across Somerset around the route in case of accidents to participants or spectators alike. Senior staff from the Emergency Services and other Agencies come together with the organisers in a joint “Control Room” where they are ready to co-ordinate action should anything unforeseen happen. The Carnival Clubs all have safety guidelines and good practice notes to follow to keep their members safe.
THANKS
Chairman Marilyn House says “We’ve had sponsorship and support from lots of local companies over the years for many of our activities. Without them none of this would happen and we are especially grateful to Taunton Town Council for their sponsorship this year. We’ve also brought back a Carnival Programme with a lot of help from advertisers. No-one will be surprised costs for background things like insurance, medical cover and health and safety across our major events have gone up tremendously. Without all the volunteer entrants, marshals and collectors giving up their time there would be no events – so we say a big ‘Thank You’ to them all. What we need to cap it all now is good weather and full collecting tins this weekend. Please dig deep to help us keep the Carnival tradition alive in Taunton.”
If you’re interested in helping on Saturday, as a Marshal for the Procession or a Collector, please contact us at [email protected]
JULY 2023
ENTER THIS YEAR’S CARNIVAL!
Taunton’s 56th Annual Illuminated Procession takes to the streets on Saturday 21st October.
Entries for all 14 classes, mounted and walking, are open via the joint South Somerset Federation of Carnival website, click here or get a paper version from our Downloads page.
We welcome all entries large and small – please read the Entry Rules carefully to see which Class best suits you.
The Procession starts at 7pm from Tangier Way and wend its way along Wood Street, Bridge Street, North Street, Fore Street, East Street and down over East Reach, finishing on Chritchard Way.
We can never have enough helpers on the night. If you would like to get involved either collecting or marshalling please contact us via [email protected]
OCTOBER 2022
The 55th TAUNTON CARNIVAL – 15th OCTOBER 2022
PROCESSION
The 55th Annual Illuminated Procession moves off this Saturday at 7pm sharp from the bridge in Tangier Way and down into Wood Street. It turns right into Bridge Street before going up through the town centre into East Street and down over East Reach to the Finish line on Chritchard Way.
This year’s Miss Taunton, the Carnival Queen, Sabrina King and Carnival Princess Jemima Gee will have pride of place in their Izzy Stockton gowns near the front of the Procession – a long wait since being chosen in January 2020! They’re travelling in a 1935 Austin Light 12/4 open road tourer kindly provided by
Terry and Jenny Vowles. Taunton’s Carnival Royalty were “on parade” in the other South Somerset Federation Carnivals courtesy of Marshall Audi.
Floats and walkers depicting themes ranging from Tropical Paradise to Gangster Grannies will wend their way along the mile long route, taking about an hour to pass any one point. Over the last three Saturdays Wellington, Ilminster and Chard have hosted the Procession with the majority of entries appearing there proudly showing off the costumes they’ve spent weeks bringing together. As well as being out to entertain the crowds they are competing in a dozen different classes for coveted local trophies, and points towards the overall South Somerset Federation awards. Carnival is full of friendly rivalry so holding the cups aloft in front of the competition can be more important than the prize money
Bringing up the rear will be the one vehicle the organisers hope not to need – a Breakdown Recovery unit kindly provided by Frost Rescue from Bridgwater.
VOTE FOR YOUR WINNERS
You can pick your own winners on the night. The Public Choice competition voting will be on Facebook. All the votes from the four South Somerset Federation towns put together will decide the best float and best walking entries
DURING THE DAY
To start Carnival day off Tone FM will join the Carnival Committee around the Market House with a Tombola and promotional activities
CHARITIES
Taunton Carnival Committee puts in all the hard work organising the Procession for two main purposes – to provide a spectacle in the town’s calendar of events and to raise money for local charities. With no fundraising for two years, and a lean year this year the street collection is very important.
During the evening Procession there will be dozens of Official Collectors on the ground. Please empty your pockets and give them a busy and successful night. The reward for performers and event organisers alike is to see all the collecting tins full and piles of coins on the lorries. Treasurer Roz Swinburne commented “If everyone put £1 or 50p coins into the collection we’d easily have a record collection! Of course we don’t mind what coins or notes come our way but we do need a lot of them please. We’re happy if it takes us all day Sunday to count it.”
This year people can also give using Tap & Pay and QR codes. The codes will be displayed on posters around the town as well as on all the collecting tins. Some collectors will have Tap & Pay machines.
ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS
Castle Street between the entrances to Tangier and Castle Street car parks and Tangier Way down to the junction with Wood Street will be closed to traffic from 2.00pm to allow all the entries to assemble and get ready for the evening’s show. Access to Tesco and Lidl will not be affected. Enfield car park will be closed all day.
The town centre will be closed at 6.30pm so the Procession Route can be cleared of traffic before the crowds move in to line the pavements.
Through traffic is directed away from the centre to keep it moving and to keep a clear access to Musgrove Park Hospital. The official east-west diversion is via Priory Avenue, Trenchard Way, Staplegrove Road, Silk Mills Road and Wellington Road.
No vehicles will be able to leave Wood Street, Yarde Place, Haydon Road or Victoria Gate on to the route whilst the Procession is taking place, between 6.30pm and around 9pm. There will be an alternative route out of the Wood Street area via Cleveland Street and French Weir Recreation Ground.
SAFETY
The Carnival Committee works very closely with all the Emergency Services to make sure everything on and off the Procession route runs smoothly on Carnival night. There are Marshals all along the route to keep an eye on spectators and make sure the Procession passes safely. These are closely supported by local Police, with St John Ambulance crews from across Somerset around the route in case of accidents to participants or spectators alike. Senior staff from the Emergency Services and other Agencies come together with the organisers in a joint “Control Room” where they are ready to co-ordinate action should anything unforeseen happen. The Carnival Clubs all have safety guidelines and good practice notes to follow to keep their members safe.
THANKS
Planning the Carnival is a round the clock activity for the Committee, with much of the work behind the scenes. Carnival Secretary John Lewis said “There are different challenges every year. We work closely with the Emergency Services, County Highways and Somerset West & Taunton Council in the Safety Advisory Group. Everything is recorded in the Event Management Plan so we can deliver the Procession safely for all involved.”
“Our ambition is always to give to our charities everything that we collect on Saturday plus a little bit more. It’ll be no surprise to anyone that our costs for background things like insurance, medical cover and health and safety have gone up tremendously. Carnival is not a cheap event to put on. We organise the annual Marathon & Half Marathon and 10k road races earlier in the year to bring in the money we need. We’ve had sponsorship and support from lots of local companies over the years for many of our activities. Without them none of this would happen. What we need to cap it all now is good weather and full collecting tins this weekend. Please dig deep to help us keep the Carnival tradition alive in Taunton.”
If you’re interested in helping on Saturday, as a Marshal for the Procession or a Collector, please contact us at [email protected]
August 2022
TAUNTON CARNIVAL – 15th OCTOBER 2022
We’re back! Taunton’s annual Illuminated Procession will be on the road again for the first time since 2019. Chosen in early 2020 Carnival Queen Sabrina King and Princess Jemima Gee will at last take their place at the front of the Procession!
Entries are open online now – click here – big or small, on foot or on wheels – ALL are welcome
It will start at 7pm from Tangier Way and wend its way along Wood Street, Bridge Street, North Street, Fore Street, East Street and down over East Reach, finishing at the Hamilton Road junction.
We can never have enough helpers on the night. If you would like to get involved either collecting or marshalling please contact us via [email protected]
October 2021
TAUNTON CARNIVAL DAY 16th OCTOBER 2021
It’s the Third Saturday in October – Taunton Carnival Day! There is a parade of vintage cars led by Miss Taunton, Sabrina King, the Carnival Queen and Princess Jemima Gee from Priory Bridge Road to High Street at 9.45am to begin a day of activities there. The cars will be joined by Harley Davidson Motorcycles and will all be on display throughout the day.
Sound and colour will come from street musicians sponsored by Mecca Bingo and the Bootstrap Boarder Morris Dancers who will entertain with several shows.
Guess the Weight of The Mayor! Cllr Sue Lees will be in High Street between 11am and 1230pm and has generously donated a prize for the person most closely guessing how much she weighs. There are prizes on offer from the Tombola and other competitions.
Although there is no Evening Procession several Carnival Clubs are showing costumes from years past.
Come to High Street on Saturday and join in the fun!
May 2021
TAUNTON CARNIVAL 2021
Taunton Carnival Committee has decided, after consultation with the Carnival Clubs, there will be no Annual Procession on Saturday 16 October.
We have not taken this decision lightly, but neither the Committee nor the Clubs have been able to hold any major fundraising activities for more than a year and the Clubs are not able to build to their usual high standards.
We will look to put on some daytime entertainment instead in the town centre, dependant on any Covid restrictions in place at that time.
We very much hope we can return with a Procession on 15 October 2022 year and look forward to seeing everyone then.
April 2020
TAUNTON CARNIVAL 2020 POSTPONED
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
December 2019
Could you be Carnival Royalty for 2020?
Miss Taunton, the Carnival Queen – We are looking for entrants who are at least between 16 years of age and have been living, working or are in full time education in the Taunton area for at least three months. An ability to converse with people in a variety of different situations and an interest in promoting Taunton and Taunton Carnival would be an advantage. The chosen contestant will lead the Carnival Procession, represent Taunton at other Carnivals on the circuit and take part in events organised by the Committee. Prizes include £200 in cash, hair styled by Toni & Guy, a manicure by Donna Jewell, Nail Technician and a dress from Izzy Stockton especially for Carnival Night. The final will be held at Somerset County Cricket Club on Friday 24 January 2020. Closing date for entries is Monday 17 January 2020.
Click to download:
|
The Carnival Princess – You must be aged 9-15 and have been living in Taunton area for at least three months. Closing date for entries is Friday 17 January 2020, with the final on Friday 24 January at Somerset County Cricket Club. Prizes include £50 gift voucher; hair styled by Toni & Guy and a dress from Izzy Stockton especially for Carnival Night.
Click to download:
|
October 2019
The 54th Taunton Carnival 19 October 2019
CARNIVAL RESULTS 2019
Best Local Entry in Classes 1 – 5 & 15 – Taunton Licensed Victuallers Jubilee Cup –Ghouls Graveyard, Generations CC
Float with Best Costumes – The John Davey Award – Butterfly Ball, Gemini CC
Best Lorry Build Up – TMC Trophy – Butterfly Ball, Gemini CC
Float Chosen by Miss Taunton – The Jack Shute Memorial Cup –The Ironworks, Harlequin CC
Best Local Walking Entry in Classes 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 13 – Taunton Times Trophy –Dick Whittington 2020, Wellington Pantomime Group
Best Costume on Foot – The Ken Gamblin Memorial Cup – Rhinestone Cowboy, Friends CC
Class 1 – Feature – 1st – The Taunton Hospital Cup, The Ironworks, Harlequin CC; 2nd Party with Make You Laugh CC, Make You Laugh CC;3rd The Railway Children – A Musical, The Brewhouse
Class 2 – Tableau – 1st – The Somerwest Rose Bowl, Butterfly Ball, Gemini CC
Class 3 – Comic – 1st – The Edwards Cup, What’s Cooking, Nunsford Ntters; 2nd Dunk Yer Nuts, One Plus One CC
Class 4 –Youth, Tableau/Feature – 1st – The Taunton Cider Cup,Mini Heroes 4 Hire, Juniors Reloaded CC Class 5 – Open – 1st – The Vic Ellis Cup, Spirited!, Zem CC; 2nd Ghouls Graveyard, Generations CC, Joint 3rd Acklands Live Wires, Molton Fathers and Rabbits Day Out, Leprechauns CC
Class 6 – Single Walking – Adult – 1st – The Silver Street Motors Trophy, Crafts, Spirit CC; 2nd Down Lambeth Way, Judy Williams
Class 7 – Single Walking – Juvenile – 1st – The Broom Centre Cup, Hakuna Matata, Kai Newbery
Class 8 – Pair Walking – 1st – The Carr & Quick Cup, Rhinestone Cowboys, Friends CC; 2nd Blaze v Glacier, Sister Act CC; 3rd Last of the Elemental Guardians, Tizzys CC
Class 9 – Group Walking – 1st – The Tesco Cup, Dick Whittington 2020, Wellington Pantomime Group; 2nd Leave no Trace, Family’s R Us
Class 10 – Walking, Open – 1st – The Mary Wyatt Memorial Cup, Tribe, Xtreme CC, 2nd Cuthbert, A & A CC; Cubs Car Chaos, Staplegrove Scout Group
Class 11 – Traders Display – 1st – The Van Heusen Cup, Aladdin, Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre; 2nd Wookey Hole, 3rd Bob Davies Transport
Class 12 – Majorettes – 1st Merriott Majorettes; 2nd Ilminster Majorettes’ 3rd Wellington Majorettes
Class 13 – Children/Youth, Walking – 1st Villians and Heroes, Blackbrook & Silver Street Guides
Class 15 – Feature, Tableau or Comic (under 50’) – 1st – The Majestics Trophy, Guy Fawkes Cart, Bridgwater Carnival Committee; 2nd Chard Carnival Royalty
TAUNTON CARNIVAL 2019
PROCESSION
The 54th Annual Illuminated Procession moves off this Saturday at 7pm sharp from the bridge in Tangier Way and down into Wood Street. It turns right into Bridge Street before going up through the town centre into East Street and down over East Reach to the Finish line on Chritchard Way.
The spectacle begins with a cavalcade of the ever-popular Harley Davidson motorcycles parading around the route to ‘warm up’ the crowds followed by last –year’s class-winning Ilminster Majorettes.
This year’s Miss Taunton, the Carnival Queen, Carlie Perkins and Carnival Princess Grace North will have pride of place near the front of the Procession looking extremely regal in their gowns, cloaks and tiaras.
Feature, Tableau and Comic floats will eclipse the streetlights with their dazzling displays using hundreds and hundreds of light bulbs interspersed between the wonderful walking entries – with themes ranging from Butterfly Ball to Ghouls. Over the last three Saturdays Wellington, Ilminster and Chard have hosted the Procession with the majority of entries appearing there proudly showing off the floats and costumes they’ve spent weeks bringing together. As well as being out to entertain the crowds they are competing in a dozen different classes for coveted local trophies, and points towards the overall South Somerset Federation awards. Carnival is full of friendly rivalry so holding the cups aloft in front of the competition can be more important than the prize money
The Procession will take just over an hour to pass any one point on the mile long route.
Bringing up the rear will be the one vehicle the organisers hope not to need – a Brakedown Recovery unit kindly provided by Frost Rescue from Bridgwater.
VOTE FOR YOUR WINNERS
You can vote for your favourite entries using the CarniApp. Download for free to your phone from the AppStore or Google Play. All the votes from the four towns put together will decide the best float and best walking entries
DURING THE DAY
On Saturday morning Historic Cars and Harley Davidson Motorcycles will process through the town centre in convoy before forming up in High Street. These are always an attraction to both young and old and plenty will cast an envious or rose-tinted eye over them. As an incentive to all the car owners to keep everything gleaming and in tip-top condition, Miss Taunton, Carlie Perkins will select ‘the most pleasing vehicle’ in her eyes to receive the annual Spiller Trophy.
For youngsters there is a ‘Moon’ themed Mask & Hat Competition being held at the Museum of Somerset from 11.00am to 2.00pm. The Mayor, Cllr Fran Smith will judge the entries and present the Mayor’s Millenium Cup to the winner.
QUALITY CARNIVAL MERCHANDISE
The Carnival Committee will be selling Official Carnival Merchandise this year during the day in High Street and during the Procession. Visibly branded Official Sellers will be out on the streets selling high quality ‘light-ups’ and toys. Committee Chairman Marilyn House said “We want to keep as much of the public’s money in the local economy. To do that we’re selling Quality Carnival Merchandise ourselves and encourage spectators to buy from the Official Sellers vehicle preceeding the Procession in the evening. Many spectators won’t realise that other traders and pedlars come from outside the area and none of their proceeds goes to Taunton Carnival or local charities at all.”
CHARITIES
Taunton Carnival Committee puts in all the hard work organising the Procession for two main purposes – to provide a spectacle in the town’s calendar of events and to raise money for local charities.
“This year our main charities are Taunton Opportunity Group and Taunton Street Pastors” said Mrs House, “They’ll be with us during the day in High Street so come along and find out more about them.”
During the evening Procession there will be dozens of Official Collectors on the ground. Please empty your pockets and give them a busy and successful night. The reward for performers and event organisers alike is to see all the collecting tins full and piles of coins on the lorries. Show your appreciation by getting rid of all that loose change any old £1 coins you find down the sofa. Treasurer Roz Swinburne commented “If everyone put £1 or 50p coins into the collection we’d easily have a record collection! Of course we don’t mind what coins or notes come our way but we do need a lot of them please. We’re happy if it takes us all day Sunday to count it.”
ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS
Castle Street between the entrances to Tangier and Castle Street car parks and Tangier Way down to the junction with Wood Street will be closed to traffic from 2.00pm to allow all the entries to assemble and get ready for the evening’s show. Access to Tesco and Lidl will not be affected. Enfield car park will be closed all day.
The town centre will be closed at 6.30pm so the Procession Route can be cleared of traffic before the crowds move in to line the pavements.
Through traffic is directed away from the centre to keep it moving and to keep a clear access to Musgrove Park Hospital. The official east-west diversion is via Priory Avenue, Trenchard Way, Staplegrove Road, Silk Mills Road and Wellington Road.
No vehicles will be able to leave Wood Street, Yarde Place, Haydon Road or Victoria Gate on to the route whilst the Procession is taking place, between 6.30pm and around 9pm. There will be an alternative route out of the Wood Street area via Cleveland Street and French Weir Recreation Ground.
SAFETY
The Carnival Committee works very closely with all the Emergency Services to make sure everything on and off the Procession route runs smoothly on Carnival night. There are Marshals all along the route to keep an eye on spectators and make sure the Procession passes safely. These are closely supported by local Police, with St John Ambulance crews from across Somerset around the route in case of accidents to participants or spectators alike. Senior staff from the Emergency Services and other Agencies come together with the organisers in a joint “Control Room” where they are ready to co-ordinate action should anything unforeseen happen. The Carnival Clubs all have safety guidelines and good practice notes to follow to keep their members safe.
THANKS
Planning the Carnival is a round the clock activity for the Committee, with much of the work behind the scenes. Carnival Secretary John Lewis said “We see different challenges every year. We work closely with the Emergency Services, County Highways and Somerset West & Taunton Council in the Safety Advisory Group. We’ve worked together for many years to make sure everything is organised and recorded well in advance in the Event Management Plan. This gives us a safe platform for all the clubs and individuals who spend many hours to bring the spectacle to life on the night. I’d like to thank all of them and all the volunteers who are out there on Saturday evening.”
“Our ambition is always to give to our charities everything that we collect on Saturday plus a little bit more. Inevitably costs go up every year for the background things like insurance, traffic and crowd management and health and safety. Carnival is not a cheap event to put on. We organise the annual Marathon & Half Marathon and 10k road races earlier in the year to bring in the money we need. We’ve had sponsorship and support from lots of local companies over the years for many of our activities. Without them none of this would happen. What we need to cap it all now is good weather and full collecting tins this weekend. Please dig deep to help us keep the Carnival tradition alive in Taunton and support this year’s chosen charities. Remember to buy your ‘glows’ and toys from our Official Sellers.”
If you’re interested in helping on Saturday, as a Marshal for the Procession or a Collector, please contact us at [email protected]
July 2019
ENTRIES OPEN FOR THIS YEAR’S PROCESSION ON SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER
The South Somerset Federation of Carnivals (Wellington, Ilminster, Chard and Taunton) is using the same entry form for all four Carnivals so if you want to enter more than one you need only provide us with the information once – providing you tick the right box
Enter online on the SSFC website or download a paper version here.
Entries close on Saturday 5 October.
January 2019
CARNIVAL CHARITY HANDOUT
At our Annual Presentation Evening this month we distributed donations totalling just under £6000. This was the amount generated from the Marathon & Half Marathon in April, 10k in September and the Carnival itself in October. The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Fran Smith, and Carnival Chairman Marilyn House presented £2000 to Love Musgrove and £1000 to St Margaret’s Hospice as the principal beneficiaries along with donations to the Scouts, Guides and Cadet groups that had helped put on the events or collect money at the Carnival.
In her annual review Marilyn thanked Ashfords Solicitors, Nuffield Health and Bridgwater & Taunton College for their continued sponsorship and support for the Marathon and Half Marathon, Deane DLO and Better for the 10k and all the businesses and groups that support Carnival. The increased street collection on Carnival night showed just how much effect the weather has on events being nearly £2000 up on the previous year’s disaster caused by Storm Brian.
“We’ve always had terrific support from many groups and individuals on event days. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them and look forward to working with them again this year”, said Marilyn. “However, we need more people to help with planning the events and pulling everything together. There’s a wide ranging set of things that need doing and there are only a small number of us on the Committee. We’d be very happy to talk to anyone who thinks it’s important for the town to have these events and believes they can help us. Please just contact us through our Facebook page or email us at [email protected].”
2019 CARNIVAL ROYALTY
Carlie Perkins was installed as Miss Taunton, the Carnival Queen 2019. at the Annual Presentation Evening this month. Mother of four, Carlie is a fulltime Homemaker and Carer.
Grace North, a pupil at north Town School, was chosen by a Panel of Judges including Deputy Mayor Cllr Fran Smith from a shortlist of three finalists to be this year’s Carnival Princess.
Carlie and Grace will appear at all the Committees functions during the year and represent Taunton at the South Somerset Federation Carnivals at Wellington, Chard and Ilminster.
20 October 2018
The 53rd Taunton Carnival
PROCESSION
The 53rdAnnual Illuminated Procession moves off this Saturday at 7pm sharp from the bridge in Tangier Way and down into Wood Street. It turns right into Bridge Street before going up through the town centre into East Street and down over East Reach. The public performance and judging ends at the junction with Wordsworth Drive.
The spectacle begins with a cavalcade of the ever-popular Harley Davidson motorcycles parading around the route to ‘warm up’ the crowds followed by last –year’s class-winning Ilminster Majorettes.
This year’s Miss Taunton, the Carnival Queen, Lucy Wheeler and Carnival Princess Mya Goodman will have pride of place near the front of the Procession looking extremely regal in their gowns, cloaks and tiaras.
Feature, Tableau and Comic floats will eclipse the street lights with their dazzling displays using hundreds and hundreds of light bulbs interspersed between the wonderful walking entries – with themes ranging from The Greatest Showman to Cinderella.
Over the last three Saturdays Wellington, Ilminster and Chard have hosted the Procession with the majority of entries appearing there proudly showing off the floats and costumes they’ve spent weeks bringing together. As well as being out to entertain the crowds they are competing in a dozen different classes for coveted local trophies, and points towards the overall South Somerset Federation awards. Carnival is full of friendly rivalry so holding the cups aloft in front of the competition can be more important than the prize money
The Procession will take just over an hour to pass any one point on the mile long route.
Bringing up the rear will be the one vehicle the organisers hope not to need – a Brakedown Recovery unit kindly provided by Frost Rescue from Bridgwater.
DURING THE DAY
On Saturday morning Historic Cars and Harley Davidson Motorcycles will process through the town centre in convoy before forming up in High Street. These are always an attraction to both young and old and plenty will cast an envious or rose-tinted eye over them. As an incentive to all the car owners to keep everything gleaming and in tip-top condition, Miss Taunton, Lucy Wheeler will select ‘the most pleasing vehicle’ in her eyes to receive the annual Spiller Trophy.
Children can join in the Mask & Hat Competition being held at the Museum of Somerset from 11.00am to 2.00pm. The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Fran Smith will judge the entries and present the Mayor’s Millenium Cup to the winner.
QUALITY CARNIVAL MERCHANDISE
The Carnival Committee will be selling Official Carnival Merchandise this year during the day in High Street and during the Procession. Visibly branded Official Sellers will be out on the streets selling high quality ‘light-ups’ and toys. Committee Chairman Marilyn House said “We want to keep as much of the public’s money in the local economy. To do that we’re selling Quality Carnival Merchandise ourselves and encourage spectators to buy from the Official Sellers during the day and from the two Official Lorries in the evening. Many spectators won’t realise that other traders and pedlars come from outside the area and none of their proceeds goes to Taunton Carnival or local charities at all.”
CHARITIES
Taunton Carnival Committee puts in all the hard work organising the Procession for two main purposes – to provide a spectacle in the town’s calendar of events and to raise money for local charities.
“Our main charity this year is again Love Musgrove” said Mrs House, “Storm Brian seriously affected the street collection last year and reduced the amount we were able to donate to charity so the Committee decided to support them for a second year They’ll be with us during the day in High Street so come along and find out more about them.”
During the evening Procession there will be dozens of Official Collectors on the ground. Please empty your pockets and give them a busy and successful night. The reward for performers and event organisers alike is to see all the collecting tins full and piles of coins on the lorries. Show your appreciation by getting rid of all that loose change any old £1 coins you find down the sofa. Treasurer Roz Swinburne commented “If everyone put £1 or 50p coins into the collection we’d easily make up for last year and more! Of course we don’t mind what coins or notes come our way but we do need a lot of them please. We’re happy if it takes us all day Sunday to count it.”
ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS
Castle Street will be closed to traffic between the entrance to Tangier and Castle Street car parks as will Tangier Way down to the junction with Wood Street from 2.00pm to allow all the entries to assemble and get ready for the evening’s show. Access to Tesco and Lidl will not be affected, but Enfield car park will be closed all day.
The town centre will be closed at 6.30pm so the Procession Route can be cleared of traffic before the crowds move in to line the pavements.
Through traffic is directed away from the centre to keep it moving and to keep a clear access to Musgrove Park Hospital. The official east-west diversion is via Priory Avenue, Trenchard Way (NIDR), Staplegrove Road, Silk Mills Road and Wellington Road.
No vehicles will be able to leave Wood Street, Yarde Place, Haydon Road or Victoria Gate on to the route whilst the Procession is taking place, between 6.30pm and around 9pm. There will be an alternative route out of the Wood Street area via Cleveland Street and French Weir Recreation Ground.
SAFETY
The Carnival Committee works very closely with all the Emergency Services to make sure everything on and off the Procession route runs smoothly on Carnival night. There are Marshals all along the route to keep an eye on spectators and make sure the Procession passes safely. These are closely supported by local Police, with St John Ambulance crews from across Somerset around the route in case of accidents to participants or spectators alike. Senior staff from the Emergency Services and other Agencies come together with the organisers in a joint “Control Room” where they are ready to co-ordinate action should anything unforeseen happen. The Carnival Clubs all have safety guidelines and good practice notes to follow to keep their members safe.
THANKS
Planning the Carnival is a round the clock activity for the Committee, with much of the work behind the scenes. Carnival Secretary John Lewis said “Every year is different and brings its own challenges. We meet with the local Safety Advisory Group hosted by Taunton Deane where we discuss issues with the Emergency Services and County Highways. We’ve worked together with them all for many years to make sure everything is organised and recorded well in advance in the Event Management Plan. This gives us a safe platform for all the clubs and individuals who spend many hours to bring the spectacle to life on the night. I’d like to thank all of them and all the volunteers who are out there on Saturday evening.”
“Once again the Performing Rights Society has helped keep costs down by shown in waiving a large part of the copyright fees due for musical entertainment.”
“Our ambition is always to give to our charities everything that we collect on Saturday plus a little bit more. Last year that didn’t work for us. Inevitably costs go up every year for the background things like insurance, traffic management and health and safety. Carnival is not a cheap event to put on and the Committee organises the annual Marathon & Half Marathon and 10k road races earlier in the year to bring in the money we need. We’ve had sponsorship and support from lots of local companies over the years for many of our activities. Without them none of this would happen. What we need to cap it all now is good weather and full collecting tins this weekend. Please dig deep to help us keep the Carnival tradition alive in Taunton and support this year’s chosen charities. Remember to buy your ‘lightups’ and toyss from our Official Sellers.”
For any other information on the day’s events please visit our website www.tauntoncarnival.co.uk .If you would like to help in any way, please contact Marilyn House on 01823 289395 (email [email protected]) or John Lewis on 01823 283892 (email [email protected])
For more info contact John Lewis, Secretary, contacts as above.
Please click here to download the 2018 Procession Order
July 2018
ENTRIES FOR THIS YEAR’S PROCESSION ON SATURDAY 20 OCTOBER ARE NOW OPEN
The South Somerset Federation of Carnivals (Wellington, Ilminster, Chard and Taunton) is using the same entry form for all four Carnivals so if you want to enter more than one you need only provide us with the information once – providing you tick the right box!
Please go to the SSFC website to enter online or download a paper version here.
Entries close on Saturday 6 October.
January 2018
CARNIVAL CHARITY HANDOUT
Taunton Carnival Committee celebrated their efforts over the last 12 months by donating £3500 to various charities and local organisations this month. The Annual Presentation evening was hosted by Somerset County Cricket Club in the Colin Atkinson Pavilion.
“We were very pleased we could give away that much as we were badly affected on Carnival Day by Storm Brian”, said Chairman Marilyn House. “Herculean efforts by the groups and individuals collecting on the night brought in £2500, a wonderful result in the circumstances. Unfortunately this was around £1500 on the previous year.” The main beneficiaries were Carnival charity Love Musgrove and the Alzheimers Society, nominated Marathon charity. Mrs House said the Committee’s aim was to support local organisations “We collect the money from local people and try to put it back into the community through local groups who help us put on the Marathon & Half Marathon, 10k and Carnival. Without their help the events simply wouldn’t take place.”
The groups receiving donations were St John Ambulance; Taunton Athletic and Running Forever Running Clubs; Scout Groups from Central, Staplegrove, Trull, West Monkton and Wilton; Blackbrook Guides, Bishops Hull Army Cadets, Wellington Majorettes, Hamilton Football Club, and Generations Carnival Club.
“We give back 50% of what collecting groups take in their tins on the night”, said Treasurer Roz Swinburne. “It gives them a boost and helps the overall total. This year the CAB, TAH and Performing Arts braved the weather.”
The Carnival Committee is always looking for people to join and help organize the events each year. Anyone interested shoud get in touch by email to [email protected]
2018 CARNIVAL ROYALTY
Lucy Wheeler has been crowned Miss Taunton, the Carnival Queen 2018. Lucy, a Haemotology Specialist Nurse working at Musgrove, was selected by a panel of judges at the Annual Presentation Evening this month. Runner-up was Carlie Perkins, a fulltime Homemaker and Carer.
Mya Goodman was chosen by the panel from the shortlisted final three of nine hopefuls to be this year’s Carnival Princess. Mya, aged 11 attends Taunton Academy. The runners up were Alice Jones and Grace North, both aged 9 and who go to Trull and North town Schools respectivey.
Lucy and Mya will appear at all the Committees functions during the year and represent Taunton at the South Somerset Federation Carnivals at Weilington, Chard and Ilminster.
October 2017
The search for Carnival Royalty 2018 is on!
Miss Taunton, the Carnival Queen – We are looking for entrants who are between 16 & 30 years of age and live, work or are in full time education in the Taunton Deane area. An ability to converse with people in a variety of different situations and an interest in promoting Taunton and Taunton Carnival would be an advantage. The chosen contestant will lead the Carnival Procession, represent Taunton at other Carnivals on the circuit and take part in events organised by the Committee. Prizes include £200 in cash, hair styled by Toni & Guy, a manicure by Donna Jewell, Nail Technician and a dress especially for Carnival Night. The final will be held at Somerset County Cricket Club on Friday 19 January 2018. Closing date for entries is Monday 8 January 2108
Click to download:
The Carnival Princess – You must be aged 9-13 and have been living in Taunton Deane area for at least three months. Closing date for entries is Friday 5 January 2018, with preliminary judging on Monday 15 January and the final on Friday 19 January at Somerset County Cricket Club.
Click to download:
Taunton Carnival 2017
Taunton Carnival 2017 Results
To download a list of the 2017 official results, please click here.
SATURDAY DAYTIME
Taunton Carnival will go ahead this evening as planned unless there is a significant change in wind conditions.
We know it’s going to rain but there have been many carnivals in the wet before.
We hope you’ll all be able to come out and support tonight…
And remember we’re taking those old pound coins!
Carnival Day starts in High Street at 10am with historic vehicle and Harley Davidson motorcycle displays. There’s also childrens’ rides and a tombola.
Come and buy your Quality Carnival Merchandise from our Official Stand – ‘light-ups’ and toys for all! Buy from us and keep the money local.
Take part in our Mask & Hat Competition at the Museum of Somerset. Children can make masks and hats in the Museum on Castle Green from 10.30am. All equipment provided. Gather together at 2.00pm when the Mayor will select the winning items.
SATURDAY EVENING
The Procession gets off to a thunderous start on Saturday with a cavalcade of Harly Davidson motorcycles leaving Tangier way at 7pm. Last year’s class-winning Ilmiinster Majorettes will be at the head of the Annual illuminated Procession following on.
Ahead of them will be the Official Sellers for our own merchandise. Please buy from them rather than other sellers who aren’t from around here and who do not give any of their proceeds to Carnival or to local charities.
More than 70 items will wend their way along the route from Tangier Way and Wood Street out into Bridge Street over The Bridge and up North Street, then along fore Street and East Street before heading down over East Reach to the finish at Chritchard Way.
This year our charity partner is Love Musgrove.
Download the Procession List here
Download the Carnival Route Plan here
ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS
Castle Street will be closed to traffic between the entrance to Tangier and Castle Street car parks as will Tangier Way down to the junction with Wood Street from 2.00pm to allow all the entries to assemble and get ready for the evening’s show. Access to Tesco and Lidl will not be affected, but Enfield car park will be closed all day.
The town centre will be closed at 6.30pm so the Procession Route can be cleared of traffic before the crowds move in to line the pavements.
Through traffic is directed away from the centre to keep it moving and to keep a clear access to Musgrove Park Hospital. The official east-west diversion is Obridge Viaduct, Priorswood Road, Greenway Road, Staplegrove Road, Silk Mills Road and Wellington Road.
No vehicles will be able to leave Wood Street, Yarde Place, Haydon Road or Victoria Gate on to the route whilst the Procession is taking place, between 6.30pm and around 9pm. There will be an alternative route out of the Wood Street area via Cleveland Street and French Weir Recreation Ground.
August 2017
June 2017
2017 Carnival – Entry Forms
This year’s Procession will be on Saturday 21st October.
We have moved into the electronic age with our Entry Form to save everyone printing them off, filling them in and posting them back.
The South Somerset Federation of Carnivals (Wellington, Ilminster, Chard and Taunton) is using the same entry form for all four Carnivals so if you want to enter more than one you need only provide us with the information once – providing you tick the right box!
January 2017
Miss Taunton 2017
Miss Taunton 2017
Eloise Gould is the new Miss Taunton 2017, the Carnival Queen.
SW Regional Manager for holidaycottages.co.uk , Eloise was selected from three finalists at the Committee’s Annual Charity Presentation Evening last Friday (20 January). The unsuccessful finalists were Emily Adams and Alexis Staple.
Eloise will lead the Carnival Procession in October, represent Taunton at other Carnivals on the South Somerset Federation Circuit and be involved with the Taunton Marathon & Half Marathon in April and the Taunton 10k in September.
To go with the title Eloise won £200 in cash, hair styled by Toni & Guy, a manicure by Donna Jewell, Nail Technician and a dress especially for Carnival Night, made and donated by ‘And Sew To Knit’.
The event was kindly hosted by Somerset County Cricket Club in the Atkinson Pavilion.
November 2016
Miss Taunton 2017
We have begun our search for Miss Taunton 2017, the Carnival Queen. We are looking for entrants who are between 16 & 30 years of age and live, work or are in full time education in the Taunton Deane area. An ability to converse with people in a variety of different situations and an interest in promoting Taunton and Taunton Carnival would be an advantage.
The chosen contestant will lead the Carnival Procession, represent Taunton at other Carnivals on the circuit and take part in events organised by the Committee. Prizes include £200 in cash, hair styled by Toni & Guy, a manicure by Donna Jewell, Nail Technician and a dress especially for Carnival Night, made and donated by ‘And Sew To Knit’.
The final will be held at Somerset County Cricket Ground on Friday 20 January 2017. Closing date for entries is Friday 9 January 2017
Click to download the Entry Form and Rules of Entry
October 2016
Taunton Carnival 2016
Saturday Daytime
Carnival Day starts on Castle Green and Goodland Gardens at 10am with historic vehicle and motorcycle displays, musical performances from the Tone Valley Jazz Band and Stevie Nichol Brown, children’s inflatables, face painting and other stalls.
Come and buy your Quality Carnival Merchandise from our Official Stand in Goodland Gardens – ‘light-ups’ and balloons for all! Buy from us and keep the money local.
Take part in our Animal Mask Competition. Children can make masks in the Museum of Somerset from 10.30am. All equipment provided. Gather together at 2.00pm when the Mayor will select the winning masks. Everyone then parades in to Castle Green for the presentation.
Saturday Evening
The Procession gets off to a thunderous start on Saturday with a cavalcade of Harly Davidson motorcycles leaving Tangier way at 7pm. The Bristol-based Batala Samba Band will be at the head of the Annual illuminated Procession following on.
Ahead of them will be the Official Sellers for our own merchandise. Please buy from them rather than other sellers who aren’t from around here and who do not give any of their proceeds to Carnival or to local charities.
More than 80 items will wend their way along the route from Tangier Way and Wood Street out into Bridge Street over The Bridge and up North Street, then along fore Street and East Street before heading down over East Reach to the finish at Chritchard Way.
Our main charity is Stand Against Violence who are celebrating their 10th year.
Download the Carnival Route Plan here
Download the Procession List here
ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS
Castle Street will be closed to traffic between the entrance to Tangier and Castle Street car parks as will Tangier Way down to the junction with Wood Street from 2.00pm to allow all the entries to assemble and get ready for the evening’s show. Access to Tesco and Lidl will not be affected, but Enfield car park will be closed all day.
The town centre will be closed at 6.30pm so the Procession Route can be cleared of traffic before the crowds move in to line the pavements.
Through traffic is directed away from the centre to keep it moving and to keep a clear access to Musgrove Park Hospital. Two diversions keep traffic moving around the outside – from the east along Bridgwater Road, Ilminster Road and Chestnut Drive; and from the west using Park Street, The Crescent, Mary Street, South Road and Chestnut Drive or Silk Mills Road, Greenway Road and Priorswood Road.
No vehicles will be able to leave Wood Street, Yarde Place, Haydon Road or Victoria Gate on to the route whilst the Procession is taking place, between 6.30pm and around 9pm. There will be an alternative route out of the Wood Street area via Cleveland Street and French Weir Recreation Ground.
September 2016
Taunton Carnival Princess 2016
After a nail-biting evening for all the young contestants Elsa Whitworth was chosen to be the 2016 Taunton carnival Princess.
August 2016
Taunton Carnival 2016
Entry forms for this year’s Procession are now available to download.
For more details see our Taunton Carnival Procession page
July 2016
Carnival Princess Competition 2016
We have started the search for this year’s Carnival Princess.
For more details see our Taunton Carnival Princess page
January 2016
Charity Presentation
We have presented just over £9000 to our four charities and other local organisations! This is the sum raised from our main events, the Carnival, the Marathon & Half Marathon and the 10k.
The main beneficiaries from the Carnival are Taunton Association for the Homeless, Guide Dogs for the Blind and Hope for Tomorrow. Mind are the nominated charity from the Marathon. They received the money at our Presentation Evening in January in front of many of our helpers and supporters.
Our Chairman, Marilyn House, reported on another successful year and thanked all those who had helped us in any way, financially, in kind or just by ‘being there’.
October 2015
Taunton Carnival, Saturday 17th
Thank you to everyone for making the Carnival night such a success. Download a full set of results here.
The Taunton Carnival takes to the streets this weekend. Historic Vehicles, Harley Davidsons, live music, children’s rides on Castle Green during the day. The Procession starts from Tangier Way at 7pm and travels up through the town centre to the finish at the bottom of East Reach.
For more details and a Procession list see our Taunton Carnival 2015 page
September 2015
Taunton Carnival Princess 2015
Levy Miller was chosen as this years Taunton Carnival Princess at Mr Miles Tea Room in Taunton on Monday 14th September.
Miss Taunton 2015, The Carnival Queen
Carley Chapman was crowned Carnival Queen at the competition final at Miles at The Riverside
July 2015
May 2015
Miss Taunton 2015, The Carnival Queen
The search is on for Miss Taunton 2015, The Carnival Queen.
For more details please visit our Miss Taunton 2015 page
April 2015
New Taunton Carnival Website Launched
OCTOBER 2023
TAUNTON CARNIVAL DAY!
DURING THE DAY
To start Carnival Day we will have stalls outside the Market House from 10am to Noon with Tone FM to launch our first Carnival Program for many years, with a tombola stall, and a visit from Cllr Nick O’Donnell, the Mayor of Taunton.
PROCESSION
The 56th Annual Illuminated Procession moves off this Saturday at 7pm sharp from the bridge in Tangier Way and down into Wood Street. It turns right into Bridge Street before going up through the town centre into East Street and down over East Reach to the Finish line on Chritchard Way.
Robes and chains will be much in evidence at the front of the Procession with our Mayor and Mayoress walking the route accompanied by the High Sheriff, the Chairman of Somerset Council and the Mayors of Axbridge and Wellington with their consorts.
Floats and walkers depicting themes ranging from ‘Just Another Day in Hollywood’ to ‘Buffalo Creek’ will wend their way along the mile long route, taking about an hour to pass any one point. Wellington, Ilminster and Chard have hosted the Procession over the last three Saturdays. The majority of entries appearing there proudly showed off the costumes they’ve spent weeks putting together and now bring to Taunton. As well as being out to entertain the crowds they are competing in a dozen different classes for coveted local trophies, and points towards the overall South Somerset Federation awards. Carnival is full of friendly rivalry so holding the cups aloft in front of the competition can be more important than the prize money!
Bringing up the rear will be the one vehicle the organisers hope not to need – a Breakdown Recovery unit kindly provided by Frost Rescue from Bridgwater. If all goes according to plan this should cross the finish line at about 9.15pm.
VOTE FOR YOUR WINNERS
Taunton Carnival Committee organises events throughout the year, culminating in the Procession, for two main purposes – to raise money for local charities and organisations and contribute to town’s social calendar.
During the evening Procession there will be dozens of Official Collectors on the ground. Please empty your pockets and give them a busy and successful night. The reward for performers and event organisers alike is to see all the collecting tins full and piles of coins on the lorries. Treasurer Roz Swinburne commented “If everyone put in £1 or 50p coins we’d easily have a record collection! Of course we don’t mind what coins or notes come our way but we do need a lot of them please. We’re happy if it takes us all day Sunday to count it.”
People can also give using QR codes and Tap & Pay. The codes will be displayed on posters around the town as well as on all the collecting tins. Some collectors will have Tap & Pay machines.
CHARITIES
You can pick your own winners on the night. The Public Choice competition voting will be on Facebook. All the votes from the four South Somerset Federation towns put together will decide the best float and best walking entries.
JULY 2023
ENTER THIS YEAR’S CARNIVAL!
Taunton’s 56th Annual Illuminated Procession takes to the streets on Saturday 21st October.
Entries for all 14 classes, mounted and walking, are open via the joint South Somerset Federation of Carnival website, click here or get a paper version from our Downloads page.
We welcome all entries large and small – please read the Entry Rules carefully to see which Class best suits you.
The Procession starts at 7pm from Tangier Way and wend its way along Wood Street, Bridge Street, North Street, Fore Street, East Street and down over East Reach, finishing on Chritchard Way.
We can never have enough helpers on the night. If you would like to get involved either collecting or marshalling please contact us via [email protected]
OCTOBER 2022
The 55th TAUNTON CARNIVAL – 15th OCTOBER 2022
PROCESSION
The 55th Annual Illuminated Procession moves off this Saturday at 7pm sharp from the bridge in Tangier Way and down into Wood Street. It turns right into Bridge Street before going up through the town centre into East Street and down over East Reach to the Finish line on Chritchard Way.
This year’s Miss Taunton, the Carnival Queen, Sabrina King and Carnival Princess Jemima Gee will have pride of place in their Izzy Stockton gowns near the front of the Procession – a long wait since being chosen in January 2020! They’re travelling in a 1935 Austin Light 12/4 open road tourer kindly provided by
Terry and Jenny Vowles. Taunton’s Carnival Royalty were “on parade” in the other South Somerset Federation Carnivals courtesy of Marshall Audi.
Floats and walkers depicting themes ranging from Tropical Paradise to Gangster Grannies will wend their way along the mile long route, taking about an hour to pass any one point. Over the last three Saturdays Wellington, Ilminster and Chard have hosted the Procession with the majority of entries appearing there proudly showing off the costumes they’ve spent weeks bringing together. As well as being out to entertain the crowds they are competing in a dozen different classes for coveted local trophies, and points towards the overall South Somerset Federation awards. Carnival is full of friendly rivalry so holding the cups aloft in front of the competition can be more important than the prize money
Bringing up the rear will be the one vehicle the organisers hope not to need – a Breakdown Recovery unit kindly provided by Frost Rescue from Bridgwater.
VOTE FOR YOUR WINNERS
You can pick your own winners on the night. The Public Choice competition voting will be on Facebook. All the votes from the four South Somerset Federation towns put together will decide the best float and best walking entries
DURING THE DAY
To start Carnival day off Tone FM will join the Carnival Committee around the Market House with a Tombola and promotional activities
CHARITIES
Taunton Carnival Committee puts in all the hard work organising the Procession for two main purposes – to provide a spectacle in the town’s calendar of events and to raise money for local charities. With no fundraising for two years, and a lean year this year the street collection is very important.
During the evening Procession there will be dozens of Official Collectors on the ground. Please empty your pockets and give them a busy and successful night. The reward for performers and event organisers alike is to see all the collecting tins full and piles of coins on the lorries. Treasurer Roz Swinburne commented “If everyone put £1 or 50p coins into the collection we’d easily have a record collection! Of course we don’t mind what coins or notes come our way but we do need a lot of them please. We’re happy if it takes us all day Sunday to count it.”
This year people can also give using Tap & Pay and QR codes. The codes will be displayed on posters around the town as well as on all the collecting tins. Some collectors will have Tap & Pay machines.
ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS
Castle Street between the entrances to Tangier and Castle Street car parks and Tangier Way down to the junction with Wood Street will be closed to traffic from 2.00pm to allow all the entries to assemble and get ready for the evening’s show. Access to Tesco and Lidl will not be affected. Enfield car park will be closed all day.
The town centre will be closed at 6.30pm so the Procession Route can be cleared of traffic before the crowds move in to line the pavements.
Through traffic is directed away from the centre to keep it moving and to keep a clear access to Musgrove Park Hospital. The official east-west diversion is via Priory Avenue, Trenchard Way, Staplegrove Road, Silk Mills Road and Wellington Road.
No vehicles will be able to leave Wood Street, Yarde Place, Haydon Road or Victoria Gate on to the route whilst the Procession is taking place, between 6.30pm and around 9pm. There will be an alternative route out of the Wood Street area via Cleveland Street and French Weir Recreation Ground.
SAFETY
The Carnival Committee works very closely with all the Emergency Services to make sure everything on and off the Procession route runs smoothly on Carnival night. There are Marshals all along the route to keep an eye on spectators and make sure the Procession passes safely. These are closely supported by local Police, with St John Ambulance crews from across Somerset around the route in case of accidents to participants or spectators alike. Senior staff from the Emergency Services and other Agencies come together with the organisers in a joint “Control Room” where they are ready to co-ordinate action should anything unforeseen happen. The Carnival Clubs all have safety guidelines and good practice notes to follow to keep their members safe.
THANKS
Planning the Carnival is a round the clock activity for the Committee, with much of the work behind the scenes. Carnival Secretary John Lewis said “There are different challenges every year. We work closely with the Emergency Services, County Highways and Somerset West & Taunton Council in the Safety Advisory Group. Everything is recorded in the Event Management Plan so we can deliver the Procession safely for all involved.”
“Our ambition is always to give to our charities everything that we collect on Saturday plus a little bit more. It’ll be no surprise to anyone that our costs for background things like insurance, medical cover and health and safety have gone up tremendously. Carnival is not a cheap event to put on. We organise the annual Marathon & Half Marathon and 10k road races earlier in the year to bring in the money we need. We’ve had sponsorship and support from lots of local companies over the years for many of our activities. Without them none of this would happen. What we need to cap it all now is good weather and full collecting tins this weekend. Please dig deep to help us keep the Carnival tradition alive in Taunton.”
If you’re interested in helping on Saturday, as a Marshal for the Procession or a Collector, please contact us at [email protected]
August 2022
TAUNTON CARNIVAL – 15th OCTOBER 2022
We’re back! Taunton’s annual Illuminated Procession will be on the road again for the first time since 2019. Chosen in early 2020 Carnival Queen Sabrina King and Princess Jemima Gee will at last take their place at the front of the Procession!
Entries are open online now – click here – big or small, on foot or on wheels – ALL are welcome
It will start at 7pm from Tangier Way and wend its way along Wood Street, Bridge Street, North Street, Fore Street, East Street and down over East Reach, finishing at the Hamilton Road junction.
We can never have enough helpers on the night. If you would like to get involved either collecting or marshalling please contact us via [email protected]
October 2021
TAUNTON CARNIVAL DAY 16th OCTOBER 2021
It’s the Third Saturday in October – Taunton Carnival Day! There is a parade of vintage cars led by Miss Taunton, Sabrina King, the Carnival Queen and Princess Jemima Gee from Priory Bridge Road to High Street at 9.45am to begin a day of activities there. The cars will be joined by Harley Davidson Motorcycles and will all be on display throughout the day.
Sound and colour will come from street musicians sponsored by Mecca Bingo and the Bootstrap Boarder Morris Dancers who will entertain with several shows.
Guess the Weight of The Mayor! Cllr Sue Lees will be in High Street between 11am and 1230pm and has generously donated a prize for the person most closely guessing how much she weighs. There are prizes on offer from the Tombola and other competitions.
Although there is no Evening Procession several Carnival Clubs are showing costumes from years past.
Come to High Street on Saturday and join in the fun!
May 2021
TAUNTON CARNIVAL 2021
Taunton Carnival Committee has decided, after consultation with the Carnival Clubs, there will be no Annual Procession on Saturday 16 October.
We have not taken this decision lightly, but neither the Committee nor the Clubs have been able to hold any major fundraising activities for more than a year and the Clubs are not able to build to their usual high standards.
We will look to put on some daytime entertainment instead in the town centre, dependant on any Covid restrictions in place at that time.
We very much hope we can return with a Procession on 15 October 2022 year and look forward to seeing everyone then.
April 2020
TAUNTON CARNIVAL 2020 POSTPONED
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
December 2019
Could you be Carnival Royalty for 2020?
Miss Taunton, the Carnival Queen – We are looking for entrants who are at least between 16 years of age and have been living, working or are in full time education in the Taunton area for at least three months. An ability to converse with people in a variety of different situations and an interest in promoting Taunton and Taunton Carnival would be an advantage. The chosen contestant will lead the Carnival Procession, represent Taunton at other Carnivals on the circuit and take part in events organised by the Committee. Prizes include £200 in cash, hair styled by Toni & Guy, a manicure by Donna Jewell, Nail Technician and a dress from Izzy Stockton especially for Carnival Night. The final will be held at Somerset County Cricket Club on Friday 24 January 2020. Closing date for entries is Monday 17 January 2020.
Click to download:
|
The Carnival Princess – You must be aged 9-15 and have been living in Taunton area for at least three months. Closing date for entries is Friday 17 January 2020, with the final on Friday 24 January at Somerset County Cricket Club. Prizes include £50 gift voucher; hair styled by Toni & Guy and a dress from Izzy Stockton especially for Carnival Night.
Click to download:
|
October 2019
The 54th Taunton Carnival 19 October 2019
CARNIVAL RESULTS 2019
Best Local Entry in Classes 1 – 5 & 15 – Taunton Licensed Victuallers Jubilee Cup –Ghouls Graveyard, Generations CC
Float with Best Costumes – The John Davey Award – Butterfly Ball, Gemini CC
Best Lorry Build Up – TMC Trophy – Butterfly Ball, Gemini CC
Float Chosen by Miss Taunton – The Jack Shute Memorial Cup –The Ironworks, Harlequin CC
Best Local Walking Entry in Classes 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 13 – Taunton Times Trophy –Dick Whittington 2020, Wellington Pantomime Group
Best Costume on Foot – The Ken Gamblin Memorial Cup – Rhinestone Cowboy, Friends CC
Class 1 – Feature – 1st – The Taunton Hospital Cup, The Ironworks, Harlequin CC; 2nd Party with Make You Laugh CC, Make You Laugh CC;3rd The Railway Children – A Musical, The Brewhouse
Class 2 – Tableau – 1st – The Somerwest Rose Bowl, Butterfly Ball, Gemini CC
Class 3 – Comic – 1st – The Edwards Cup, What’s Cooking, Nunsford Ntters; 2nd Dunk Yer Nuts, One Plus One CC
Class 4 –Youth, Tableau/Feature – 1st – The Taunton Cider Cup,Mini Heroes 4 Hire, Juniors Reloaded CC Class 5 – Open – 1st – The Vic Ellis Cup, Spirited!, Zem CC; 2nd Ghouls Graveyard, Generations CC, Joint 3rd Acklands Live Wires, Molton Fathers and Rabbits Day Out, Leprechauns CC
Class 6 – Single Walking – Adult – 1st – The Silver Street Motors Trophy, Crafts, Spirit CC; 2nd Down Lambeth Way, Judy Williams
Class 7 – Single Walking – Juvenile – 1st – The Broom Centre Cup, Hakuna Matata, Kai Newbery
Class 8 – Pair Walking – 1st – The Carr & Quick Cup, Rhinestone Cowboys, Friends CC; 2nd Blaze v Glacier, Sister Act CC; 3rd Last of the Elemental Guardians, Tizzys CC
Class 9 – Group Walking – 1st – The Tesco Cup, Dick Whittington 2020, Wellington Pantomime Group; 2nd Leave no Trace, Family’s R Us
Class 10 – Walking, Open – 1st – The Mary Wyatt Memorial Cup, Tribe, Xtreme CC, 2nd Cuthbert, A & A CC; Cubs Car Chaos, Staplegrove Scout Group
Class 11 – Traders Display – 1st – The Van Heusen Cup, Aladdin, Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre; 2nd Wookey Hole, 3rd Bob Davies Transport
Class 12 – Majorettes – 1st Merriott Majorettes; 2nd Ilminster Majorettes’ 3rd Wellington Majorettes
Class 13 – Children/Youth, Walking – 1st Villians and Heroes, Blackbrook & Silver Street Guides
Class 15 – Feature, Tableau or Comic (under 50’) – 1st – The Majestics Trophy, Guy Fawkes Cart, Bridgwater Carnival Committee; 2nd Chard Carnival Royalty
TAUNTON CARNIVAL 2019
PROCESSION
The 54th Annual Illuminated Procession moves off this Saturday at 7pm sharp from the bridge in Tangier Way and down into Wood Street. It turns right into Bridge Street before going up through the town centre into East Street and down over East Reach to the Finish line on Chritchard Way.
The spectacle begins with a cavalcade of the ever-popular Harley Davidson motorcycles parading around the route to ‘warm up’ the crowds followed by last –year’s class-winning Ilminster Majorettes.
This year’s Miss Taunton, the Carnival Queen, Carlie Perkins and Carnival Princess Grace North will have pride of place near the front of the Procession looking extremely regal in their gowns, cloaks and tiaras.
Feature, Tableau and Comic floats will eclipse the streetlights with their dazzling displays using hundreds and hundreds of light bulbs interspersed between the wonderful walking entries – with themes ranging from Butterfly Ball to Ghouls. Over the last three Saturdays Wellington, Ilminster and Chard have hosted the Procession with the majority of entries appearing there proudly showing off the floats and costumes they’ve spent weeks bringing together. As well as being out to entertain the crowds they are competing in a dozen different classes for coveted local trophies, and points towards the overall South Somerset Federation awards. Carnival is full of friendly rivalry so holding the cups aloft in front of the competition can be more important than the prize money
The Procession will take just over an hour to pass any one point on the mile long route.
Bringing up the rear will be the one vehicle the organisers hope not to need – a Brakedown Recovery unit kindly provided by Frost Rescue from Bridgwater.
VOTE FOR YOUR WINNERS
You can vote for your favourite entries using the CarniApp. Download for free to your phone from the AppStore or Google Play. All the votes from the four towns put together will decide the best float and best walking entries
DURING THE DAY
On Saturday morning Historic Cars and Harley Davidson Motorcycles will process through the town centre in convoy before forming up in High Street. These are always an attraction to both young and old and plenty will cast an envious or rose-tinted eye over them. As an incentive to all the car owners to keep everything gleaming and in tip-top condition, Miss Taunton, Carlie Perkins will select ‘the most pleasing vehicle’ in her eyes to receive the annual Spiller Trophy.
For youngsters there is a ‘Moon’ themed Mask & Hat Competition being held at the Museum of Somerset from 11.00am to 2.00pm. The Mayor, Cllr Fran Smith will judge the entries and present the Mayor’s Millenium Cup to the winner.
QUALITY CARNIVAL MERCHANDISE
The Carnival Committee will be selling Official Carnival Merchandise this year during the day in High Street and during the Procession. Visibly branded Official Sellers will be out on the streets selling high quality ‘light-ups’ and toys. Committee Chairman Marilyn House said “We want to keep as much of the public’s money in the local economy. To do that we’re selling Quality Carnival Merchandise ourselves and encourage spectators to buy from the Official Sellers vehicle preceeding the Procession in the evening. Many spectators won’t realise that other traders and pedlars come from outside the area and none of their proceeds goes to Taunton Carnival or local charities at all.”
CHARITIES
Taunton Carnival Committee puts in all the hard work organising the Procession for two main purposes – to provide a spectacle in the town’s calendar of events and to raise money for local charities.
“This year our main charities are Taunton Opportunity Group and Taunton Street Pastors” said Mrs House, “They’ll be with us during the day in High Street so come along and find out more about them.”
During the evening Procession there will be dozens of Official Collectors on the ground. Please empty your pockets and give them a busy and successful night. The reward for performers and event organisers alike is to see all the collecting tins full and piles of coins on the lorries. Show your appreciation by getting rid of all that loose change any old £1 coins you find down the sofa. Treasurer Roz Swinburne commented “If everyone put £1 or 50p coins into the collection we’d easily have a record collection! Of course we don’t mind what coins or notes come our way but we do need a lot of them please. We’re happy if it takes us all day Sunday to count it.”
ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS
Castle Street between the entrances to Tangier and Castle Street car parks and Tangier Way down to the junction with Wood Street will be closed to traffic from 2.00pm to allow all the entries to assemble and get ready for the evening’s show. Access to Tesco and Lidl will not be affected. Enfield car park will be closed all day.
The town centre will be closed at 6.30pm so the Procession Route can be cleared of traffic before the crowds move in to line the pavements.
Through traffic is directed away from the centre to keep it moving and to keep a clear access to Musgrove Park Hospital. The official east-west diversion is via Priory Avenue, Trenchard Way, Staplegrove Road, Silk Mills Road and Wellington Road.
No vehicles will be able to leave Wood Street, Yarde Place, Haydon Road or Victoria Gate on to the route whilst the Procession is taking place, between 6.30pm and around 9pm. There will be an alternative route out of the Wood Street area via Cleveland Street and French Weir Recreation Ground.
SAFETY
The Carnival Committee works very closely with all the Emergency Services to make sure everything on and off the Procession route runs smoothly on Carnival night. There are Marshals all along the route to keep an eye on spectators and make sure the Procession passes safely. These are closely supported by local Police, with St John Ambulance crews from across Somerset around the route in case of accidents to participants or spectators alike. Senior staff from the Emergency Services and other Agencies come together with the organisers in a joint “Control Room” where they are ready to co-ordinate action should anything unforeseen happen. The Carnival Clubs all have safety guidelines and good practice notes to follow to keep their members safe.
THANKS
Planning the Carnival is a round the clock activity for the Committee, with much of the work behind the scenes. Carnival Secretary John Lewis said “We see different challenges every year. We work closely with the Emergency Services, County Highways and Somerset West & Taunton Council in the Safety Advisory Group. We’ve worked together for many years to make sure everything is organised and recorded well in advance in the Event Management Plan. This gives us a safe platform for all the clubs and individuals who spend many hours to bring the spectacle to life on the night. I’d like to thank all of them and all the volunteers who are out there on Saturday evening.”
“Our ambition is always to give to our charities everything that we collect on Saturday plus a little bit more. Inevitably costs go up every year for the background things like insurance, traffic and crowd management and health and safety. Carnival is not a cheap event to put on. We organise the annual Marathon & Half Marathon and 10k road races earlier in the year to bring in the money we need. We’ve had sponsorship and support from lots of local companies over the years for many of our activities. Without them none of this would happen. What we need to cap it all now is good weather and full collecting tins this weekend. Please dig deep to help us keep the Carnival tradition alive in Taunton and support this year’s chosen charities. Remember to buy your ‘glows’ and toys from our Official Sellers.”
If you’re interested in helping on Saturday, as a Marshal for the Procession or a Collector, please contact us at [email protected]
July 2019
ENTRIES OPEN FOR THIS YEAR’S PROCESSION ON SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER
The South Somerset Federation of Carnivals (Wellington, Ilminster, Chard and Taunton) is using the same entry form for all four Carnivals so if you want to enter more than one you need only provide us with the information once – providing you tick the right box
Enter online on the SSFC website or download a paper version here.
Entries close on Saturday 5 October.
January 2019
CARNIVAL CHARITY HANDOUT
At our Annual Presentation Evening this month we distributed donations totalling just under £6000. This was the amount generated from the Marathon & Half Marathon in April, 10k in September and the Carnival itself in October. The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Fran Smith, and Carnival Chairman Marilyn House presented £2000 to Love Musgrove and £1000 to St Margaret’s Hospice as the principal beneficiaries along with donations to the Scouts, Guides and Cadet groups that had helped put on the events or collect money at the Carnival.
In her annual review Marilyn thanked Ashfords Solicitors, Nuffield Health and Bridgwater & Taunton College for their continued sponsorship and support for the Marathon and Half Marathon, Deane DLO and Better for the 10k and all the businesses and groups that support Carnival. The increased street collection on Carnival night showed just how much effect the weather has on events being nearly £2000 up on the previous year’s disaster caused by Storm Brian.
“We’ve always had terrific support from many groups and individuals on event days. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them and look forward to working with them again this year”, said Marilyn. “However, we need more people to help with planning the events and pulling everything together. There’s a wide ranging set of things that need doing and there are only a small number of us on the Committee. We’d be very happy to talk to anyone who thinks it’s important for the town to have these events and believes they can help us. Please just contact us through our Facebook page or email us at [email protected].”
2019 CARNIVAL ROYALTY
Carlie Perkins was installed as Miss Taunton, the Carnival Queen 2019. at the Annual Presentation Evening this month. Mother of four, Carlie is a fulltime Homemaker and Carer.
Grace North, a pupil at north Town School, was chosen by a Panel of Judges including Deputy Mayor Cllr Fran Smith from a shortlist of three finalists to be this year’s Carnival Princess.
Carlie and Grace will appear at all the Committees functions during the year and represent Taunton at the South Somerset Federation Carnivals at Wellington, Chard and Ilminster.
20 October 2018
The 53rd Taunton Carnival
PROCESSION
The 53rdAnnual Illuminated Procession moves off this Saturday at 7pm sharp from the bridge in Tangier Way and down into Wood Street. It turns right into Bridge Street before going up through the town centre into East Street and down over East Reach. The public performance and judging ends at the junction with Wordsworth Drive.
The spectacle begins with a cavalcade of the ever-popular Harley Davidson motorcycles parading around the route to ‘warm up’ the crowds followed by last –year’s class-winning Ilminster Majorettes.
This year’s Miss Taunton, the Carnival Queen, Lucy Wheeler and Carnival Princess Mya Goodman will have pride of place near the front of the Procession looking extremely regal in their gowns, cloaks and tiaras.
Feature, Tableau and Comic floats will eclipse the street lights with their dazzling displays using hundreds and hundreds of light bulbs interspersed between the wonderful walking entries – with themes ranging from The Greatest Showman to Cinderella.
Over the last three Saturdays Wellington, Ilminster and Chard have hosted the Procession with the majority of entries appearing there proudly showing off the floats and costumes they’ve spent weeks bringing together. As well as being out to entertain the crowds they are competing in a dozen different classes for coveted local trophies, and points towards the overall South Somerset Federation awards. Carnival is full of friendly rivalry so holding the cups aloft in front of the competition can be more important than the prize money
The Procession will take just over an hour to pass any one point on the mile long route.
Bringing up the rear will be the one vehicle the organisers hope not to need – a Brakedown Recovery unit kindly provided by Frost Rescue from Bridgwater.
DURING THE DAY
On Saturday morning Historic Cars and Harley Davidson Motorcycles will process through the town centre in convoy before forming up in High Street. These are always an attraction to both young and old and plenty will cast an envious or rose-tinted eye over them. As an incentive to all the car owners to keep everything gleaming and in tip-top condition, Miss Taunton, Lucy Wheeler will select ‘the most pleasing vehicle’ in her eyes to receive the annual Spiller Trophy.
Children can join in the Mask & Hat Competition being held at the Museum of Somerset from 11.00am to 2.00pm. The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Fran Smith will judge the entries and present the Mayor’s Millenium Cup to the winner.
QUALITY CARNIVAL MERCHANDISE
The Carnival Committee will be selling Official Carnival Merchandise this year during the day in High Street and during the Procession. Visibly branded Official Sellers will be out on the streets selling high quality ‘light-ups’ and toys. Committee Chairman Marilyn House said “We want to keep as much of the public’s money in the local economy. To do that we’re selling Quality Carnival Merchandise ourselves and encourage spectators to buy from the Official Sellers during the day and from the two Official Lorries in the evening. Many spectators won’t realise that other traders and pedlars come from outside the area and none of their proceeds goes to Taunton Carnival or local charities at all.”
CHARITIES
Taunton Carnival Committee puts in all the hard work organising the Procession for two main purposes – to provide a spectacle in the town’s calendar of events and to raise money for local charities.
“Our main charity this year is again Love Musgrove” said Mrs House, “Storm Brian seriously affected the street collection last year and reduced the amount we were able to donate to charity so the Committee decided to support them for a second year They’ll be with us during the day in High Street so come along and find out more about them.”
During the evening Procession there will be dozens of Official Collectors on the ground. Please empty your pockets and give them a busy and successful night. The reward for performers and event organisers alike is to see all the collecting tins full and piles of coins on the lorries. Show your appreciation by getting rid of all that loose change any old £1 coins you find down the sofa. Treasurer Roz Swinburne commented “If everyone put £1 or 50p coins into the collection we’d easily make up for last year and more! Of course we don’t mind what coins or notes come our way but we do need a lot of them please. We’re happy if it takes us all day Sunday to count it.”
ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS
Castle Street will be closed to traffic between the entrance to Tangier and Castle Street car parks as will Tangier Way down to the junction with Wood Street from 2.00pm to allow all the entries to assemble and get ready for the evening’s show. Access to Tesco and Lidl will not be affected, but Enfield car park will be closed all day.
The town centre will be closed at 6.30pm so the Procession Route can be cleared of traffic before the crowds move in to line the pavements.
Through traffic is directed away from the centre to keep it moving and to keep a clear access to Musgrove Park Hospital. The official east-west diversion is via Priory Avenue, Trenchard Way (NIDR), Staplegrove Road, Silk Mills Road and Wellington Road.
No vehicles will be able to leave Wood Street, Yarde Place, Haydon Road or Victoria Gate on to the route whilst the Procession is taking place, between 6.30pm and around 9pm. There will be an alternative route out of the Wood Street area via Cleveland Street and French Weir Recreation Ground.
SAFETY
The Carnival Committee works very closely with all the Emergency Services to make sure everything on and off the Procession route runs smoothly on Carnival night. There are Marshals all along the route to keep an eye on spectators and make sure the Procession passes safely. These are closely supported by local Police, with St John Ambulance crews from across Somerset around the route in case of accidents to participants or spectators alike. Senior staff from the Emergency Services and other Agencies come together with the organisers in a joint “Control Room” where they are ready to co-ordinate action should anything unforeseen happen. The Carnival Clubs all have safety guidelines and good practice notes to follow to keep their members safe.
THANKS
Planning the Carnival is a round the clock activity for the Committee, with much of the work behind the scenes. Carnival Secretary John Lewis said “Every year is different and brings its own challenges. We meet with the local Safety Advisory Group hosted by Taunton Deane where we discuss issues with the Emergency Services and County Highways. We’ve worked together with them all for many years to make sure everything is organised and recorded well in advance in the Event Management Plan. This gives us a safe platform for all the clubs and individuals who spend many hours to bring the spectacle to life on the night. I’d like to thank all of them and all the volunteers who are out there on Saturday evening.”
“Once again the Performing Rights Society has helped keep costs down by shown in waiving a large part of the copyright fees due for musical entertainment.”
“Our ambition is always to give to our charities everything that we collect on Saturday plus a little bit more. Last year that didn’t work for us. Inevitably costs go up every year for the background things like insurance, traffic management and health and safety. Carnival is not a cheap event to put on and the Committee organises the annual Marathon & Half Marathon and 10k road races earlier in the year to bring in the money we need. We’ve had sponsorship and support from lots of local companies over the years for many of our activities. Without them none of this would happen. What we need to cap it all now is good weather and full collecting tins this weekend. Please dig deep to help us keep the Carnival tradition alive in Taunton and support this year’s chosen charities. Remember to buy your ‘lightups’ and toyss from our Official Sellers.”
For any other information on the day’s events please visit our website www.tauntoncarnival.co.uk .If you would like to help in any way, please contact Marilyn House on 01823 289395 (email [email protected]) or John Lewis on 01823 283892 (email [email protected])
For more info contact John Lewis, Secretary, contacts as above.
Please click here to download the 2018 Procession Order
July 2018
ENTRIES FOR THIS YEAR’S PROCESSION ON SATURDAY 20 OCTOBER ARE NOW OPEN
The South Somerset Federation of Carnivals (Wellington, Ilminster, Chard and Taunton) is using the same entry form for all four Carnivals so if you want to enter more than one you need only provide us with the information once – providing you tick the right box!
Please go to the SSFC website to enter online or download a paper version here.
Entries close on Saturday 6 October.
January 2018
CARNIVAL CHARITY HANDOUT
Taunton Carnival Committee celebrated their efforts over the last 12 months by donating £3500 to various charities and local organisations this month. The Annual Presentation evening was hosted by Somerset County Cricket Club in the Colin Atkinson Pavilion.
“We were very pleased we could give away that much as we were badly affected on Carnival Day by Storm Brian”, said Chairman Marilyn House. “Herculean efforts by the groups and individuals collecting on the night brought in £2500, a wonderful result in the circumstances. Unfortunately this was around £1500 on the previous year.” The main beneficiaries were Carnival charity Love Musgrove and the Alzheimers Society, nominated Marathon charity. Mrs House said the Committee’s aim was to support local organisations “We collect the money from local people and try to put it back into the community through local groups who help us put on the Marathon & Half Marathon, 10k and Carnival. Without their help the events simply wouldn’t take place.”
The groups receiving donations were St John Ambulance; Taunton Athletic and Running Forever Running Clubs; Scout Groups from Central, Staplegrove, Trull, West Monkton and Wilton; Blackbrook Guides, Bishops Hull Army Cadets, Wellington Majorettes, Hamilton Football Club, and Generations Carnival Club.
“We give back 50% of what collecting groups take in their tins on the night”, said Treasurer Roz Swinburne. “It gives them a boost and helps the overall total. This year the CAB, TAH and Performing Arts braved the weather.”
The Carnival Committee is always looking for people to join and help organize the events each year. Anyone interested shoud get in touch by email to [email protected]
2018 CARNIVAL ROYALTY
Lucy Wheeler has been crowned Miss Taunton, the Carnival Queen 2018. Lucy, a Haemotology Specialist Nurse working at Musgrove, was selected by a panel of judges at the Annual Presentation Evening this month. Runner-up was Carlie Perkins, a fulltime Homemaker and Carer.
Mya Goodman was chosen by the panel from the shortlisted final three of nine hopefuls to be this year’s Carnival Princess. Mya, aged 11 attends Taunton Academy. The runners up were Alice Jones and Grace North, both aged 9 and who go to Trull and North town Schools respectivey.
Lucy and Mya will appear at all the Committees functions during the year and represent Taunton at the South Somerset Federation Carnivals at Weilington, Chard and Ilminster.
October 2017
The search for Carnival Royalty 2018 is on!
Miss Taunton, the Carnival Queen – We are looking for entrants who are between 16 & 30 years of age and live, work or are in full time education in the Taunton Deane area. An ability to converse with people in a variety of different situations and an interest in promoting Taunton and Taunton Carnival would be an advantage. The chosen contestant will lead the Carnival Procession, represent Taunton at other Carnivals on the circuit and take part in events organised by the Committee. Prizes include £200 in cash, hair styled by Toni & Guy, a manicure by Donna Jewell, Nail Technician and a dress especially for Carnival Night. The final will be held at Somerset County Cricket Club on Friday 19 January 2018. Closing date for entries is Monday 8 January 2108
Click to download:
The Carnival Princess – You must be aged 9-13 and have been living in Taunton Deane area for at least three months. Closing date for entries is Friday 5 January 2018, with preliminary judging on Monday 15 January and the final on Friday 19 January at Somerset County Cricket Club.
Click to download:
Taunton Carnival 2017
Taunton Carnival 2017 Results
To download a list of the 2017 official results, please click here.
SATURDAY DAYTIME
Taunton Carnival will go ahead this evening as planned unless there is a significant change in wind conditions.
We know it’s going to rain but there have been many carnivals in the wet before.
We hope you’ll all be able to come out and support tonight…
And remember we’re taking those old pound coins!
Carnival Day starts in High Street at 10am with historic vehicle and Harley Davidson motorcycle displays. There’s also childrens’ rides and a tombola.
Come and buy your Quality Carnival Merchandise from our Official Stand – ‘light-ups’ and toys for all! Buy from us and keep the money local.
Take part in our Mask & Hat Competition at the Museum of Somerset. Children can make masks and hats in the Museum on Castle Green from 10.30am. All equipment provided. Gather together at 2.00pm when the Mayor will select the winning items.
SATURDAY EVENING
The Procession gets off to a thunderous start on Saturday with a cavalcade of Harly Davidson motorcycles leaving Tangier way at 7pm. Last year’s class-winning Ilmiinster Majorettes will be at the head of the Annual illuminated Procession following on.
Ahead of them will be the Official Sellers for our own merchandise. Please buy from them rather than other sellers who aren’t from around here and who do not give any of their proceeds to Carnival or to local charities.
More than 70 items will wend their way along the route from Tangier Way and Wood Street out into Bridge Street over The Bridge and up North Street, then along fore Street and East Street before heading down over East Reach to the finish at Chritchard Way.
This year our charity partner is Love Musgrove.
Download the Procession List here
Download the Carnival Route Plan here
ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS
Castle Street will be closed to traffic between the entrance to Tangier and Castle Street car parks as will Tangier Way down to the junction with Wood Street from 2.00pm to allow all the entries to assemble and get ready for the evening’s show. Access to Tesco and Lidl will not be affected, but Enfield car park will be closed all day.
The town centre will be closed at 6.30pm so the Procession Route can be cleared of traffic before the crowds move in to line the pavements.
Through traffic is directed away from the centre to keep it moving and to keep a clear access to Musgrove Park Hospital. The official east-west diversion is Obridge Viaduct, Priorswood Road, Greenway Road, Staplegrove Road, Silk Mills Road and Wellington Road.
No vehicles will be able to leave Wood Street, Yarde Place, Haydon Road or Victoria Gate on to the route whilst the Procession is taking place, between 6.30pm and around 9pm. There will be an alternative route out of the Wood Street area via Cleveland Street and French Weir Recreation Ground.
August 2017
June 2017
2017 Carnival – Entry Forms
This year’s Procession will be on Saturday 21st October.
We have moved into the electronic age with our Entry Form to save everyone printing them off, filling them in and posting them back.
The South Somerset Federation of Carnivals (Wellington, Ilminster, Chard and Taunton) is using the same entry form for all four Carnivals so if you want to enter more than one you need only provide us with the information once – providing you tick the right box!
January 2017
Miss Taunton 2017
Miss Taunton 2017
Eloise Gould is the new Miss Taunton 2017, the Carnival Queen.
SW Regional Manager for holidaycottages.co.uk , Eloise was selected from three finalists at the Committee’s Annual Charity Presentation Evening last Friday (20 January). The unsuccessful finalists were Emily Adams and Alexis Staple.
Eloise will lead the Carnival Procession in October, represent Taunton at other Carnivals on the South Somerset Federation Circuit and be involved with the Taunton Marathon & Half Marathon in April and the Taunton 10k in September.
To go with the title Eloise won £200 in cash, hair styled by Toni & Guy, a manicure by Donna Jewell, Nail Technician and a dress especially for Carnival Night, made and donated by ‘And Sew To Knit’.
The event was kindly hosted by Somerset County Cricket Club in the Atkinson Pavilion.
November 2016
Miss Taunton 2017
We have begun our search for Miss Taunton 2017, the Carnival Queen. We are looking for entrants who are between 16 & 30 years of age and live, work or are in full time education in the Taunton Deane area. An ability to converse with people in a variety of different situations and an interest in promoting Taunton and Taunton Carnival would be an advantage.
The chosen contestant will lead the Carnival Procession, represent Taunton at other Carnivals on the circuit and take part in events organised by the Committee. Prizes include £200 in cash, hair styled by Toni & Guy, a manicure by Donna Jewell, Nail Technician and a dress especially for Carnival Night, made and donated by ‘And Sew To Knit’.
The final will be held at Somerset County Cricket Ground on Friday 20 January 2017. Closing date for entries is Friday 9 January 2017
Click to download the Entry Form and Rules of Entry
October 2016
Taunton Carnival 2016
Saturday Daytime
Carnival Day starts on Castle Green and Goodland Gardens at 10am with historic vehicle and motorcycle displays, musical performances from the Tone Valley Jazz Band and Stevie Nichol Brown, children’s inflatables, face painting and other stalls.
Come and buy your Quality Carnival Merchandise from our Official Stand in Goodland Gardens – ‘light-ups’ and balloons for all! Buy from us and keep the money local.
Take part in our Animal Mask Competition. Children can make masks in the Museum of Somerset from 10.30am. All equipment provided. Gather together at 2.00pm when the Mayor will select the winning masks. Everyone then parades in to Castle Green for the presentation.
Saturday Evening
The Procession gets off to a thunderous start on Saturday with a cavalcade of Harly Davidson motorcycles leaving Tangier way at 7pm. The Bristol-based Batala Samba Band will be at the head of the Annual illuminated Procession following on.
Ahead of them will be the Official Sellers for our own merchandise. Please buy from them rather than other sellers who aren’t from around here and who do not give any of their proceeds to Carnival or to local charities.
More than 80 items will wend their way along the route from Tangier Way and Wood Street out into Bridge Street over The Bridge and up North Street, then along fore Street and East Street before heading down over East Reach to the finish at Chritchard Way.
Our main charity is Stand Against Violence who are celebrating their 10th year.
Download the Carnival Route Plan here
Download the Procession List here
ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS
Castle Street will be closed to traffic between the entrance to Tangier and Castle Street car parks as will Tangier Way down to the junction with Wood Street from 2.00pm to allow all the entries to assemble and get ready for the evening’s show. Access to Tesco and Lidl will not be affected, but Enfield car park will be closed all day.
The town centre will be closed at 6.30pm so the Procession Route can be cleared of traffic before the crowds move in to line the pavements.
Through traffic is directed away from the centre to keep it moving and to keep a clear access to Musgrove Park Hospital. Two diversions keep traffic moving around the outside – from the east along Bridgwater Road, Ilminster Road and Chestnut Drive; and from the west using Park Street, The Crescent, Mary Street, South Road and Chestnut Drive or Silk Mills Road, Greenway Road and Priorswood Road.
No vehicles will be able to leave Wood Street, Yarde Place, Haydon Road or Victoria Gate on to the route whilst the Procession is taking place, between 6.30pm and around 9pm. There will be an alternative route out of the Wood Street area via Cleveland Street and French Weir Recreation Ground.
September 2016
Taunton Carnival Princess 2016
After a nail-biting evening for all the young contestants Elsa Whitworth was chosen to be the 2016 Taunton carnival Princess.
August 2016
Taunton Carnival 2016
Entry forms for this year’s Procession are now available to download.
For more details see our Taunton Carnival Procession page
July 2016
Carnival Princess Competition 2016
We have started the search for this year’s Carnival Princess.
For more details see our Taunton Carnival Princess page
January 2016
Charity Presentation
We have presented just over £9000 to our four charities and other local organisations! This is the sum raised from our main events, the Carnival, the Marathon & Half Marathon and the 10k.
The main beneficiaries from the Carnival are Taunton Association for the Homeless, Guide Dogs for the Blind and Hope for Tomorrow. Mind are the nominated charity from the Marathon. They received the money at our Presentation Evening in January in front of many of our helpers and supporters.
Our Chairman, Marilyn House, reported on another successful year and thanked all those who had helped us in any way, financially, in kind or just by ‘being there’.
October 2015
Taunton Carnival, Saturday 17th
Thank you to everyone for making the Carnival night such a success. Download a full set of results here.
The Taunton Carnival takes to the streets this weekend. Historic Vehicles, Harley Davidsons, live music, children’s rides on Castle Green during the day. The Procession starts from Tangier Way at 7pm and travels up through the town centre to the finish at the bottom of East Reach.
For more details and a Procession list see our Taunton Carnival 2015 page
September 2015
Taunton Carnival Princess 2015
Levy Miller was chosen as this years Taunton Carnival Princess at Mr Miles Tea Room in Taunton on Monday 14th September.
Miss Taunton 2015, The Carnival Queen
Carley Chapman was crowned Carnival Queen at the competition final at Miles at The Riverside
July 2015
May 2015
Miss Taunton 2015, The Carnival Queen
The search is on for Miss Taunton 2015, The Carnival Queen.
For more details please visit our Miss Taunton 2015 page
April 2015
New Taunton Carnival Website Launched
Drop Me a Line
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. In in risus eget lectus suscipit malesuada. Maecenas ut urna mollis, aliquam eros at, laoreet metus.