A BRIDGWATER Carnival’s cart created to celebrate the late Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee has been shortlisted for a national award.

The Jubilation cart, which travelled to London to mark the Queen’s 70 years on the throne in June, has made the 2022 Creative Lives Awards People's Choice Award shortlist.

Chris Hocking, lead for pageant entry, said: “I was surprised and pleased to find out we were shortlisted this morning (Friday, December 23).

"It is the coronation of a fantastic year for the carnival. It is fantastic to receive this recognition and we encourage people to vote for us.

“We were delighted that we were able to take the entry to all seven Somerset carnivals.

"It was very much appreciated and we received a fantastic response from the public on how beautiful the Jubilation cart was. It will be in our memories forever.”

Mr Hocking also said the cart has been shortlisted for the England Creative Award which is up to a panel of experts.

The cart joined the Platinum Jubilee Pageant event on Sunday, June 5, to form part of the celebrations.

Hundreds of carnivalites from 17 carnival clubs worked together on the 100-ft long cart designed to reflect the regal elements of the monarchy.

Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after the news of her death on Thursday, September 8, saying they felt “privileged” to have been able to celebrate her service.

At the time, a spokesperson for the carnival committee said: “Everybody associated with Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is saddened by the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

“Despite the great sadness of the passing of Her Majesty, we all feel very proud and privileged to have been able to celebrate her long reign and dedicated service in the way we did in June at the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

“Our fitting tribute during the Pageant Parade seems even more appropriate at this time.

“It was an honour and privilege to have been part of that occasion and it will remain a very proud moment for everyone involved and for Bridgwater Carnival, our Somerset Carnivals, and Bridgwater itself.”

To support the Jubilation cart’s nomination and cast your vote, visit this website.

Voting will be open until January 26.

The Creative Lives awards, as explained on the website, champion community and volunteer-led creative activity, and work to improve opportunities for everyone to be creative.

Formerly the Epic Awards, they are an annual celebration of the achievements of voluntary and community-led creativity.

In particular, they celebrate and promote people expressing themselves creatively with others, recognising the benefits this can bring.