WHILE sat at home watching this year’s Olympics from Paris, and seeing and feeling the many emotions experienced by the athletes and spectators alike, I found myself reflecting on the 2012 Olympics which were held in the UK - writes Dave Stokes, publicity director for Bridgwater Carnival.
For me personally, and for the Bridgwater Carnival community as a whole, the 2012 games and celebrations are something that will long live in our memories.
I was fortunate enough to be an Olympic torchbearer, after being nominated by a work colleague for charity fundraising and for my volunteering role within Bridgwater Carnival.
It really was a tremendous privilege for me to be part of the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, and seeing so many people lining the streets, including family and friends, cheering me on while running with the torch.
My part of the relay was in Okehampton, and even though I only carried the torch for a distance of 300 metres, it was a magical experience I will never ever forget.
There were others involved with Bridgwater Carnival who were also torchbearers that year.
My wife, Claire, was nominated for her work in encouraging young children to dance and to take part in sporting activities, and Stu Mapstone, a member of Ramblers Carnival Club, was nominated for his volunteer work with a Somerset based lifesaving club and with the carnival.
Then a few months later that year and on an unforgettable night in July, Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival secured its place in Olympic history.
Over 200 Bridgwater Carnivalites took part in a simultaneous squibbing display in Weymouth, bringing to an end a three-day epic outdoor theatre event, which celebrated the 2012 Olympic Games coming to England and the South West coast.
It really was a memorable experience with an incredible atmosphere, and it remains to this day as the only time I have had the pleasure of squibbing.
The display was the first time the squibbing had been held outside of Bridgwater, and for those of us who were there, it was something we will never forget.
For those who weren’t, I hope you saw it on television or on social media at the time, as the event really helped us to promote Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival to a national and international audience.
And our link to the Olympic Games doesn’t finish there.
Two years later in 2014, over 40 Bridgwater Carnivalites took part in another simultaneous squibbing display, which was the main highlight of a unique Great British Carnivals celebration held at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.
The event marked the midway point between the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympic Games, and commemorated the second anniversary of the opening of the 2012 London games.
The Olympic Games touches everyone and stirs emotions in us all… even those involved with our treasured carnival.
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