Nothing unites the nation more than an event which reaches out to all parts of society and touches the hearts and minds of every community in the country.
Being fortunate enough to be an official torch bearer in the London 2012 Summer Olympics torch relay, I experienced at first hand the excitement, the patriotic atmosphere and the good feel factor such an event brings.
It was a moment I will truly never forget.
For the 10,000 participants, including 200 local carnivalites, taking part in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant on Sunday, June 5 in London, they will be creating something very special and historic for the country.
Amongst the excitement and camaraderie, the pomp and splendour, the cheering crowds on the streets, and the estimated one billion people who will be watching the pageant on televisions and other devices, those who are involved will be making their own personal enduring memories which will last a lifetime, and they will also be doing their own bit to make some unforgettable moments for the nation.
The Platinum Jubilee Pageant is a celebration of Her Majesty the Queen, who has dedicated her 70-year reign to service.
It has come to be known as the People’s Pageant – by the people and for the people - and it really is a massive honour for everybody associated with Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival to be involved in such a prestigious event.
It’s the end of May, and never before have I known so much interest in our treasured carnival at this time of the year.
It seems that people, not just from Bridgwater and Somerset, but from all over the country want to see and find out more about the carnival cart we are building for the Queen.
It really has captured the imagination of everybody.
Of course, over the past few months and weeks, we have been working very closely with the pageant organisers and other external stakeholders about the logistics of taking the cart, which we have called ‘Jubilation’ to London for the event.
When the cart is finished and before it leaves the shed we will be wrapping it in a black protective cover for the long trip to London.
After all of the hard work by so many people, the last thing we want to do is to damage the cart or to get it too dirty, but of course this will unfortunately mean nobody will be able to see what the cart looks like as it leaves the town and is bound for London.
Due to safety, security and operational reasons, we would ask if people could respectfully refrain from gathering at vantage points when the cart leaves for London.
Your cooperation and support with this would be greatly appreciated.
Of course, if you are not going to London, the cart will be seen in its full glory for the first time on TV on Sunday, June 5 as the pageant is being broadcast live on BBC One.
The pageant parade starts in the early afternoon, and we are part of ACT III – Let’s Celebrate. So switch your TV on and look out for us.
And just a week later there will be a chance to see the cart close up when we put it on display in Bridgwater Town Centre on Sunday 12 June. More details about this event will be issued shortly.
There is no doubt the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant is a once-in-a-lifetime moment that will encourage people to come together. Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is very proud to be a part of it.
Until the next time…
Dave Stokes
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