TAUNTON, Chard and Ilminster will all be missing carnivals this year after organisers announced cancellations.

The events, which are all part of the South Somerset Federation of Carnivals, will not be taking place this year as the country goes through the coronavirus restrictions.

The news follows an announcement from the organisers of Bridgwater Carnival, which will also be skipping this year.

A spokesperson for the carnivals said: "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."

The carnival floats take months to prepare, and while people are being urged to stick to social distancing, the clubs are understandably struggling to prepare their entries.

The spokesperson added: "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."

Earlier this year it was announced that Wellington Carnival would not be taking place as new organisers had not come forward, it has not been confirmed if there will be an event in the town next year.

If the event does go ahead in 2021, it will take place on September 25.

This will be followed by Ilminster on October 2, Chard on October 9, and Taunton on October 16.

Jason Baker, Mayor of Chard and the town's carnival chairman, said: “These are extraordinary and unprecedented times, and our thoughts are very much with those who have been affected and impacted by coronavirus.

"Many carnival clubs would usually have begun building their carts by now, but the social distancing guidelines and bans on social gatherings mean that this can not happened.

"Whilst this is a disappointment for many people we will continue to monitor the situation and follow government advice and I’m sure we will be able to celebrate carnival and the amazing community spirit that we have in Chard at some point."