Bridgwater Carnival 2014 Preview 3

BRIDGWATERBRIDGWATER Carniva�GUY FAWKES PREVIEW BOOKLET 2014

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BRIDGWATER GUY FAWKES CARNIVAL IS HELD ANNUALLY ON THE FIRST SATURDAY IN NOVEMBER

BridgwaterCarnival-PreviewCover.indd 1 8/15/2014 10:36:26 AM TitleBridgwater Carnival 2014 Preview 3

Gremlins CC and their 2013 entry Local school children preparing for their dance parade Xtinct BridgwaterPhoto by Phil Parsons through the town on carnival day 2013 Photo by Andy Slocombe The Home of Carnival

ridgwater rightly has the reputation of being the home of carnival in the UK, and every year the town’s carnival B celebrations adds further credence to that belief. Ramblers The town’s carnival season begins in CC and earnest in early October when local their 2013 carnivalites entertain thousands of people entry during the town’s annual, two-week long, Swarm carnival concerts. Seen as a curtain raiser to Force Photo the carnival procession, these highly popular by Jaqui concerts have been an annual feature in Lethaby Bridgwater since 1883 - surely the longest running variety show in the country. family entertained. Three weeks after the curtain has been Away from the razzmatazz and spectacle of brought down on the final concert the carnival celebrations, the activities of performance, attention turns to the carnival Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival helps to procession –regarded by many as one of the support charities and groups in and around largest illuminated parades in Europe, if not the local area all year round. In 2013 we the world! donated over £16,000 to local charities and Bridgwater Carnival takes place annually groups, and many charities have already on the first Saturday in November, and expressed an interest in getting involved with typically 60 carnival carts, some as big as this year’s activities. 100ft long, 16.5ft high and 11ft wide and lit by Bridgwater Carnival is something to be thousands of lights, wind their way through rightfully very proud of, but it must not be the centre of this historic town, creating an taken for granted. It is a magnificent explosive atmosphere of light, sound and spectacle, and one which the people of movement. Accompanying these carts will be Bridgwater, Sedgemoor and Somerset would groups and individual masqueraders on foot, be much poorer without. marching bands and majorettes, bringing For more information, log onto their own carnival flavour to the festivities. www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk or visit our During the carnival daytime there will be a carnival centre, High Street, Bridgwater whole host of top class entertainment taking (01278 428220). place in the town centre to keep all of the Seeing is believing…

For more details about Bridgwater Carnival, please visit us at www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. TitleBridgwater Carnival 2014 Preview 5

British Flag CC with their show The Town of Titipu Photo by Martin Wasley BRIDGWATER GUY FAWKES 2014 CARNIVAL CONCERTS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, TO SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 BRIDGWATER TOWN HALL een as a curtain and front of curtain acts Bridgwater, and cost £8.50 raiser to the entertain enthralled (except rows J, M, P, Y & Z carnival audiences. which will be £9.50) for the procession, the The concerts start at 7pm opening performance on S popular carnival on weekday nights and 6pm Monday, September 29, and concerts have been an annual at weekends, and the show £11 (except for rows J, M, P, Y feature Bridgwater since 1883. lasts approximately four & Z which will be priced at Over 3,500 tickets are hours. £12) for all other available for the combined 12 The tickets are available performances. Restricted performances, where a cast of online at www.bridgwater view seats will be £8.50 over 600 entertainers from 13 carnival.org.uk or from the throughout the concert carnival clubs, dance troupes carnival centre, High Street, fortnight.

Renegades CC at the concerts last year Photo by Martin Wasley

Pictured right: Marketeers CC on stage in 2013 Photo by Martin Wasley

For more details about Bridgwater Carnival, please visit us at www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. TitleBridgwater Carnival 2014 Preview 7 BRIDGWATER GUY FAWKES CARNIVAL’S GRAND FIREWORK DISPLAY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31 ST MATTHEW’S FIELD, BRIDGWATER he Bridgwater Guy getting in on the fun with a Fawkes Carnival special lantern parade before weekend the big display begins. celebrations will Leading this parade will be a T start with a bang coloured willow effigy of Guy with a ‘Grand Firework Fawkes, made by Somerset Display’. Willow Company, which will Sponsored by Bridgwater be ceremoniously lit at the Town Council and supported start of the firework display by Sedgemoor District by the president of Council for the ninth Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Some of last year’s fireworks successive year, the curtain Carnival. raiser event will take place on fireworks display will start at There will be a small Friday 31 October at 7.30pm. 3pm, as there will be other charge for parking in St The glittering fireworks attractions at St Matthew’s Matthew’s Field, with all display has proved popular in Field to entertain the family, proceeds raised going the past with spectators and including a handful of towards the Bridgwater has been well supported by fairground rides, kindly Carnival charity. people in and around the provided by the world famous No unauthorised pedlars Sedgemoor area. Chipperfield family. Local will be allowed into the field The build up to the school children will also be during the event.

For more details about Bridgwater Carnival, please visit us at www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. TitleBridgwater Carnival 2014 Preview 9 BRIDGWATER GUY FAWKES CARNIVAL SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 DAYTIME ENTERTAINMENT (All times and performances correct at the time of going to print) ABBA Authentic (Cornhill modern day comedy. Stage 5.10pm to 5.55pm and Throughout the show they 6.45pm to 7.30pm) are helped and hindered in ABBA Authentic are the equal measure by Albot who original Abba duo and will will interject at any bring the fantastic sounds opportunity. In a lively mix of and harmonies of Abba to the up-beat music, comedy and Cornhill stage on Carnival illusion, this is a Victorian, Day. They are renowned HG Wellsian, steampunkian international artistes having extravaganza! performed all over the world ACTS Samba and Choir at over 3,500 gigs including (Cornhill Stage Samba the Vegas Imperial Palace 2.30pm to 2.50pm Choir Hotel and MGM. They have ABBA Authentic Angel Place 10am to noon) recently returned from their Formed in 1996, fourth tour of Korea where Before moving away, Harry Bridgwater’s popular they performed at the Seoul studied performing arts at children’s singing, dancing indoor Olympic stadium Bridgwater College where he and samba group has over 120 appearing live on KBS TV to was given the chance to play members. Earlier in the year over six million audience. the lead role of Jean Valjean they staged Cats at the Town Jordan Hill (Cornhill Stage in Les Miserables. He has also Hall, receiving rave reviews 10.30am to 11.15am) been a member of the from all who saw the show. Jordan is an incredibly Bridgwater Show Choir, Sally The ACTS choir will be gifted performer with so Williams Dancers, the Lola singing for shoppers in the much energy and charisma! Fisher Academy of Dance, Angel Place Shopping Centre Everywhere he goes, this Renegades Carnival Club and in the morning, while the superb singer has audiences ACTS Theatre School. samba band will performing out of their seat, singing, Dan The Hat (Cornhill at the Cornhill Stage in the dancing, and laughing along Stage 1.10pm to 1.40pm and afternoon. with him! Jordan has played High Street 3.10pm to Two Tone (Cornhill Stage in many different venues and 3.40pm and 4.45pm to 3.45pm to 4.20pm) has a massive repertoire 5.15pm) Two Tone are a popular starting from the golden age With brilliant comic musical duo which has been of rock and roll, through to timing, Dan takes you on a performing, semi- the chart toppers of today. frenzied journey of skills and professionally, in the area for Same Old Faces (Cornhill trickery from his dazzling over 20 years. Stage 11.20am to 12.20pm yoyo routines to his Jones & Barnard (High and 2.50pm to 3.45pm) jaw-dropping hat Street 12.15pm to 12.45pm, Same Old Faces are a manipulation techniques. 1.40pm to 2.10pm and tribute to the 1960s and 70s Audience beware! Dan the 5.30pm to 6pm) which includes a good deal of Hat will pick volunteers at This duo have a totally Glam Rock. Dressed in glitz, random… anything can fresh approach to the wigs, shades and platforms. happen and it usually does! presentation of comedy Same Old Faces play all the The Gaslights (Cornhill classics, combined with a classic rock from the era of Stage 1.50pm to 2.20pm and sensitive use of volunteers to Glam! 4.30pm to 5pm and 6.05pm comedic effect making the Harry Winchester to 6.35pm) audience part of, not apart (Cornhill Stage 12.25pm to The Gaslights –acomedy from, the show. 1.10pm) musical trio presenting Bournemouth Carnival Harry is currently studying catchy tunes and songs, Band (High Street 2.40pm musical theatre at the Arts peppered with Victorian to 3.10pm) Educational School, London. history, science-fiction and Continued on page 11

For more details about Bridgwater Carnival, please visit us at www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. TitleBridgwater Carnival 2014 Preview 11 BRIDGWATER GUY FAWKES CARNIVAL SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 DAYTIME ENTERTAINMENT (All times and performances correct at the time of going to print) Continued from page 9 music for indoor and outdoor The bandsmen, aged 16 to events. The band developed nearly museum relics (we’re its membership and expanded keeping some secrets), and its supporters club dressed in their various throughout the 1990s and has colourful costumes, have become an important feature “perfected” a unique blend of at civic functions, church music and crazy comedy services, nearby village fetes, antics. This, combined with charity concerts and their marching routines, Christmas events. ensures that the band is Albot The Robot – always in great demand. The Albot is a remote controlled band has toured Northern robotic appealing to young France and has appeared in and old alike. The show gives the prestigious Jersey “Battle members of the audience a of Flowers”. chance to interact with Albot, Samba Galez (High Street pose for photos, find out 6.15pm to 7.15pm) about his construction, and Samba Galez has become see for themselves that one of the largest there’s no one inside! community-based Samba Bridgwater College bands in the UK with Dan The Hat Performing Arts (High members of all ages coming Street Stage 1.30pm to from different cultural London School Of Samba 2.30pm) backgrounds and ranging (High Street Stage 3.10pm The Performing Arts from accomplished musicians to 3.50pm) section at Bridgwater College to those with no previous London School Of Samba is widely acknowledged for musical experience played its first official gig at the quality of its work with Rhythms Of The City (High Covent Garden Piazza in 1984 students. The Showchoir in Street Stage 12.15pm to and were the first Samba particular has achieved 1pm and 3.55pm to 4.40pm) School to play at the Notting tremendous success having Rhythms Of The City Hill Carnival, introducing appeared on TV and in perform not only authentic Brazilian Carnival to the concerts and shows carnival samba, but many parade. Since then, they have throughout the UK and parts other funky styles (salsa, achieved the best results so of Europe. The youngsters soca, reggae, funk, hiphop) far for any non-Caribbean taking part are all aged with the same passion and band in the Notting Hill between 17 and 19 and energy. Rhythms of the City is Carnival. Celebrating their studying music and the beating heart of London’s 30th anniversary they will performance arts at multi-award winning jazz bring a touch of Brazil to the Bridgwater College. community the F-IRE streets of Bridgwater with a Children’s Parades 2.15pm Collective. Drummers, mix of drummers and and 3.45pm singers, dancers, horns and dancers in colourful An all dancing parade, guitars combine in a unique costumes. featuring children from spectacle. At Bridgwater Wells City Band (St Mary’s several schools, goes through Carnival they will entertain Church noon to 2pm) Fore Street, Cornhill and the audiences during the day Wells City Band –a High Street at 2.15pm on with a static display by the 25 friendly and warm group of carnival day, followed at piece group of drums and amateur brass musicians, 3.45pm by another group of dancers before also serving the Central Somerset children carrying lanterns performing in the evening area by providing concerts, they have made themselves parade. marches and live brass band out of recycled items.

egarded by many as the largest illuminated procession in R Europe, over 60 carnival carts, some as big as 100ft long, 16ft high and 11ft wide and lit by thousands of lights will wind their way through the centre of Bridgwater on carnival night. Creating an explosive atmosphere of light, sound and movement, these spectacular carts are accompanied by groups and individual masqueraders on foot, marching bands and majorettes, all bringing their own carnival flavour to the festivities. The entire parade takes over two hours to pass any one viewing point on the two-and-a-half mile route. Grandstands View the carnival parade from one of our all-seater the carnival centre, High simply follow signs to official grandstands. The Street, Bridgwater, online at park parks. grandstands are located on www.bridgwatercarnival. Park ‘N’ Ride the procession route and offer org.uk or from Mike Crocker Two schemes are in a spectacular view of the on 01278 451415. operation this year thanks to entire parade. Tickets for the Car Parking The Buses of Somerset. The reserved seats are just £14 Lots of additional car parks service will operate from 2pm each and are available from are open on the night, so on carnival day with parking located just off junctions 23 and 24 of the M5. Telephone 01278 428220 for more information, or visit our website. Coach Parking We have ample parking for coaches with three designated parking areas within easy access to the parade and town centre. Pre booking is advisable. Coaches cost £30 and mini buses cost £20. Telephone 01278 428220 for more information, or visit our website. Ilminster based Harlequin CC and their 2013 entry City of Seeing is believing, don’t Rock Photo by Jaqui Lethaby miss this amazing carnival!

For more details about Bridgwater Carnival, please visit us at www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 14 Bridgwater Carnival 2014 PreviewTitle HIGH STREET SQUIBBING DISPLAY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 15 MINUTES AFTER THE PROCESSION HAS FINISHED or centuries the Bridgwater spectacular Carnival simultaneous squibbers at the squibbing display F Great British has brought the Carnivals event Bridgwater Guy Fawkes at Queen Carnival celebrations to a Elizabeth dramatic climax in the town Olympic Park, centre. London, July This tradition has 2014 thankfully survived over the years, and nowadays the Photo by Great British squibbing takes place in the Carnival/Vicki town’s High Street, Couchman approximately 15 minutes squib itself is a large As with any fireworks after the carnival procession firework, strapped to a cosh display, sparks will fly and has finished. (a solid block of wood which spectators should take care Nowhere else in the world is attached to a large pole). A not to stand too close to the stages such an amazing event, squibber holds the squib at squibs, as Bridgwater Guy and squibbing is by definition arms length above their head Fawkes Carnival accept no the simultaneous firing of with the firework facing liability for damage to lots of large fireworks. The towards the sky. clothing from the sparks.

For more details about Bridgwater Carnival, please visit us at www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.