DATES for this year's Bridport’s Carnival have been announced after it was agreed that the torchlight procession which closes the event can take place.
Organisers have said that the carnival is set to take place in August with the parade on Saturday 20th and the torchlight procession to West Bay on Sunday 21st.
The torchlight procession is a key element of the festivities but - as reported in the News - following the 2019 event when it was last held, the Bridport Carnival Committee was informed by National Highways, formerly Highways England, that they were not prepared to close the A35 at the Crown Roundabout for the half an hour it takes the procession to cross the road at future events.
Following a meeting between organisers, the town council, West Dorset MP Chris Loder and National Highways, the latter has now informed those who run the carnival they are able to allow another contractor to close the road for the procession.
The dates for the carnival could be subject to change but parade manager Gill Crump says everything is ‘looking positive’ - but residents and businesses are being urged help support the event.
Ms Crump said: “It is all positive but we have lost lots of organisation time and we do need the support of the community.
“We need to get people backing it, currently we are looking for a sponsor for the whole event which would cost £1,000.
“Everything is started but we are not as far as we would like to be, we are looking for people to sign up for the parade and it does not have to be a float event, it could be a walking parade.”
Bridport Carnival 2018 Picture: Samantha Cook Photography
Ms Crump says organisers have done a lot of ‘myth-busting’ since the last carnival to dispel rumours that floats cost a lot to insure and that drinking is prohibited at the event.
Regarding the road closure for the torchlight parade, Ms Crump said: “Currently we are waiting to hear back from National Highways (about the proposed dates and route) and we do not see there being an issue.
“National Highways regrouped everything and said there are other contractors that are able to close road - we are just waiting to find out who."
Ms Crump says without the torchlight procession the carnival would not have gone ahead because it provides the majority of funding - 'without one the other does not happen’ she added.
Organisers are now offering the chance for charities to get involved as beneficiaries or people within the community who can offer their help.
Ms Crump said: “Charities have suffered in recent years and we are looking for beneficiaries in what is a win-win situation, we ask for their help for escorting floats or selling raffle tickets, they then get a share of the funds depending on how much help they provide.
“If anyone wants to help for one or two days they should get in touch, it is also a great way to meet people if you are new to the area.”
To get involved or find out more information visit https://bridportcarnival.co.uk/
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