ORGANISERS of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival are celebrating a successful year after donating nearly £35,000 to local good causes.

Funds raised by Bridgwater Carnival related activities over the past 12 months totalled £34,954.65, and included collections at the grand firework display and on carnival night itself, the staffing of official car parks, general assistance and services, and commission received from the sale of souvenir programmes

£7,400 of the grand total was raised from a Christmas themed carnival cart which toured the supermarkets and streets of Bridgwater and Sedgemoor in December.

Dave Stokes, Publicity Director for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to make such a significant contribution to local groups and clubs, and we sincerely hope our donations and support make a big difference to the community.

“The fundraising aspect of our carnival is often overlooked and doesn’t always make the headlines it undoubtedly deserves, but it is another reason why we all volunteer and get involved with this prestigious event year after year”.Bridgwater Mercury: The money was shared between over 40 local good causes, charities, and groups.The money was shared between over 40 local good causes, charities, and groups. (Image: Bridgwater Carnival)

One long standing charity to benefit from the carnival is Bridgwater Rotary Club, who have now been working with the carnival committee for over 40 years.

Rotarian Phil Maye said: “Our partnership with Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival has enabled us to provide a service to the community.

"We pride ourselves that every penny collected or donated is given back to the community and charitable causes, local, national and international.

"Examples of recent local donations include taking 120 SEND students to Crealy Park for a day in June, sponsoring Bridgwater & Albion Rugby teams (7-17 year olds), Phoenix Scouts, Bridgwater Rangers, and Hamp Cinema Club.

"The Rotary also regularly supports Bridgwater Foodbank and Dementia Action Alliance.

“So all donations go to good causes, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support”.Bridgwater Mercury: Collectors picking up coins thrown by the crowd at last year's carnival.Collectors picking up coins thrown by the crowd at last year's carnival. (Image: Bridgwater Carnival)

In the past two years, approximately £65,000 has been donated to good causes and local charities as a result of carnival related activities, and every year there are a number of ways in which charities and groups could get involved and raise some money. For more information, contact Bridgwater Carnival’s Collection Officer, Jonathon Walters at collection@bridgwatercarnival.org.uk.

The £34,954.65 raised in the past 12 months was distributed between the following good causes, charities and local clubs:

  •  Bridgwater Rotary Club - £6,023.04
  •  Cancer Research UK - £3,840.71
  •  Wellington Majorettes - £2,400.00
  •  Wellington & Taunton Young Farmers - £2,000.00
  •  Bridgwater Operatic Society - £1,926.98
  •  Vagabonds Carnival Club - £1,817.33
  •  Westfield Church - £1,385.00
  •  Cavaliers Carnival Club - £1,346.53
  •  Wilstock Hub - £1,176.50
  •  SNAP - £1,014.34
  •  Bridgwater Sea Cadets - £844.88
  •  Lime Kiln Carnival Club - £914.80
  •  Crusaders Carnival Club - £730.06
  •  Marketeers Carnival Club - £710.35
  •  Marie Curie - £620.14  Freewheelers EVS - £615.24
  •  Bridgwater Wolves Football Club - £513.25
  •  Renegades Carnival Club - £456.80
  •  Weston Super Mare Operatic Society - £455.75
  •  British Flag Carnival Club - £414.63
  •  Polden Bower School - £405.50
  •  Bridgwater Talking Newspaper - £383.86
  •  Sydenham Improvement Centre - £373.61
  •  Phoenix Bridgwater Scout Group - £368.74
  •  Wells City Band - £350.00
  •  Bridgwater Guide Rangers - £344.14
  •  Catcott Village Association - £300.00
  •  Centurion Carnival Club - £290.73
  •  Middlezoy Rovers Football Club - £280.40
  •  Secret World - £277.31
  •  New Direction Majorettes - £252.83
  •  Children’s Hospice South West (Morrisons) - £250.00
  •  Westonzoyland Carnival Club - £248.85
  •  Young Musical Theatre Company - £243.95
  •  Wilfs Carnival Club - £228.85
  •  Marina Sydenham Juvenile Carnival Club - £216.58
  •  Ramblers Carnival Club - £162.10
  •  Somerset Songbirds - £150.00
  •  In the Mix Project - £131.38
  •  Love Musgrove - £127.03
  •  North Somerset LGBT - £101.94
  •  Gremlins Carnival Club - £82.00
  •  Bridgwater Hospital Friends - £66.81
  •  Crusader Cubs - £57.46
  •  Bridgwater United Football Club - £54.25