Old Folks Show set to return in March after two years away

The Old Folks Show, which features the Bridgwater Carnival clubs, will take place at the town hall between Thursday, March 24 and Saturday, March 26. 

The free show was first staged in 1962 and was the idea of Kelvin Foster, former chairman of Wills Carnival Club. 

It was designed to thank the pensioners of the town for their continued support throughout the year and for helping to keep the carnival spirit alive. 

Today, the overarching principle remains the same, and tickets for the three-day show are highly sought-after by the town's over 60s.

The show is organised by local carnivalite Wayne Anker with support from the Bridgwater Gangs and Features president Arthur Leigh and his wife Lynn, Gangs and Features members, and volunteers and helpers representing the clubs that perform on stage. 

Wayne said: "I’m sure I am speaking for everyone involved when I say how pleased and excited we are to be putting on an Old Folks Show in 2022.

"Like many events throughout the UK, Covid restrictions meant we could not stage a show in 2020 and 2021, and I am absolutely delighted for the town’s over 60s in being able to entertain them once again."

RETURN: Performers in the Old Folks Show, 2019

The Old Folks Show is less serious in its content and stage setting than the annual Carnival concerts held in October but has the same high standards of singing and dancing. 

"The show is really good fun for everyone involved and it’s a chance for us all to relax and get into the carnival spirit," added Wayne.

"As well as providing new carnival club members with some stage experience without the competitive pressure of being judged, it is also a very enjoyable and social event for us all."

Tickets for the show are free and available from Bridgwater Carnival Centre, High Street, on Saturday, February 26 between 10am and 12pm. 

After that, remaining tickets will be available from the Carnival Centre during its normal opening hours.