Final preparation and fundraising events are underway in South Petherton as it prepares for the 102nd carnival.

The town's illuminated carnival procession is scheduled for Saturday September 14. The event promises to be a vibrant celebration, featuring an array of carnival carts, majorettes, walking masqueraders, and bands parading through the village streets.

Luke Bennett, the procession manager, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, noting its significance to the community. "The carnival is one of the highlights of the South Petherton calendar and the first Somerset Carnival to take place each year, bringing hundreds of people out into the streets to celebrate. 2023 was a fantastic year, with a bumper amount of entries, and this year is shaping up to be great too."

A collection will be held during the evening, with proceeds distributed to local charities, organisations, and carnival clubs at the event’s AGM. Last year, the carnival raised over £4,500 for local causes, a testament to the community’s generosity.

In the lead-up to the main event, Carnival Week includes several fundraising activities:

  • Saturday, 31st August: Cake Sale at Brewers Arms under the archway, starting at 9am.
  • Sunday, 1st September: Brewers Arms Carnival Quiz at 8 p.m. (Booking essential)
  • Saturday, 7th September: Royalty Fancy Dress Competition at 10 a.m. for under 18s, to crown this year’s carnival royalty at South Petherton Sports and Social Club.
  • Saturday, 7th September: Best Dressed Business Window Competition – Any businesses in South Petherton are welcome to take part.
  • Thursday, 12th September: Prize Bingo at Sports and Social Club, starting at 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)
  • Saturday, 14th September: Mile of Pennies in the village centre from 9 a.m., followed by the main carnival procession at 7:30 p.m. (Roads close from 6:30 p.m. with parking restrictions starting at 4 p.m.)

A funfair will be set up at Lightgate Recreation Ground from Thursday to Saturday.

Luke Bennett added: "We hope people will come along and support all the entries on the evening. South Petherton has many unique entries that only take part for the one evening as well as many of the circuit entries taking part. The village itself has a lovely atmosphere on the evening, and the residents and businesses are very supportive of their carnival."

This year, the carnival has introduced a new programme, available in shops around South Petherton and online. Details can be found on the carnival's Facebook page.

For those interested in joining the procession, there are various categories, including floats/carts (feature, comic, juvenile, and tableau), walking (single adult, single child, walking pair, and groups), bands, vintage vehicles, and trade entries. Prize money, trophies, and certificates are up for grabs, along with appearance money for all participants. 

As the community gears up for another unforgettable night, all eyes will be on South Petherton as they kick off the Somerset carnival season. 

Please visit the Facebook page South Petherton Carnival or email lukeozade@hotmail.co.uk for more information