About

The first Carnival took place in 1971 and was created to bring the community together, have lots of fun and support local causes/groups/clubs.

Due to the covid-19 pandemic, we had to cancel the carnival in 2020 and 2021, although we did a virtual carnival so people could celebrate safely at home. We delayed our 50th-anniversary celebrations to 2022, this was our biggest and best carnival to date, we have never seen so many of the town out to celebrate.

All money raised after carnival expenses is donated back to the community. The carnival team discussed at length how to distribute money to the community. It was agreed that we would invite charities, clubs and local groups who participated in that year’s carnival to apply for a grant. 

Last year, we awarded grants to the following groups:

• The Town Hall Museum
• Allsorts
• WBLOS/WBLETS
• Air Cadets

All money raised is used to fund the running of the Carnival. Our major costs include our Public Liability Insurance, arranging road closures, AA signage, two-way radios, prize money, hiring of professional entertainment and much more.

As costs to put on such events continue to soar, 2024 will cost in the region of £12,000.  Our generous sponsors donate a large part of this and the rest is raised through our other events and collections during Carnival Day. 100% of our profits are donated back to the community.

In 2019, we donated to Allsorts Pre-school, Longleaze Pre-school, Old Court Pre-School and The Royal British Legion. 

In 2020, 2021 and 2022 the Carnival donated food boxes to covid-19 mutual aid, £500 went to Runvember. Games, a pool table, and hygiene items were donated to the RWB Youth Group. 

In 2023 we donated to the Town Hall Museum, Air Cadets, Allsorts Pre-School and  WBLOS/WBLETS.