CHARD Carnival Committee Chairman welcomed over 80 guests to the carnival presentation last Sunday afternoon.

Jason Baker said last year’s carnival was a huge success that clearly shows that people want to see the tradition of Carnival back on our streets.

He said: "We once again ran Street Fayre which proved to be a huge success and had over 50 stalls stretching from one end of Holyrood Street to the other and included lots of live music and entertainment.

"We tried a few new things this year during Carnival week which included a chess tournament and bingo, we also held our usual popular events during the week which included our spot the wrong un competition in shop windows, Carnival Quiz, Craft Fayre and the lighting of the beacon.”

Mr Baker went on to thank the committee who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to put on the Carnival, Children’s Carnival & Street Fayre as well as all of the fundraising events and meetings that took place.

He added: "There is much that goes on behind the scenes that no one sees. We decided last year to pay everyone that entered appearance money rather than prize money so that everyone received funds to help towards the costs of their entries in Chard Carnival.

"This along with grants at the presentation adds up to an amazing £4,894.34 going to local groups, carnival clubs, and charitable organisations.

He also thanked the emergency services who play a huge role in the carnival, the event could not take place without their help and cooperation as well as thanking Thorncombe First Responders who take part in the procession as well as providing emergency assistance throughout the event, Tesco for the continued support, C & D Transport for supplying collecting vehicles and Numatic for allowing us to use their factory to line up in.

Groups that received grants were:

• Bubbles cc
• Chard Girl Guides
• Holyrood Cambodia Trip
• Fearne Animal Sanctuary
• Chard Rotary Club
• Rubaloo Carnival Club
• TAPS
• Chard Scouts
• New Direction Majorettes
• One Plus One Carnival Club
• South Somerset Rainbow Scouts
• Wellington Majorettes
• ZEM Carnival Club
• Tatworth Christmas Lights & Food Table
• Sid Vale Carnival Club
• Avishayes School
• Redstart School
• Manor Court school
• Otters Carnival Club
• Little Munchkins
• Starbursts Carnival Club
• Chard Town Team Christmas Lights
• Nunsford Nutters Carnival Club
• Jacs Carnival Club
• Harlequins cc

Mr Baker ended the event by reminding everyone that the Chard Carnival AGM will be held on Sunday, February 12 at 7pm at the Lordleaze Hotel and would welcome new members to join our committee.

Mr Baker also said: "We struggle to cover all of the jobs that need doing especially on Carnival Day, if anyone would like more details on what is involved, please do not hesitate to come up after the presentation and talk to myself or one of the committee."