Call for Wiveliscombe Carnival organiser (From Somerset County Gazette)
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Call for Wiveliscombe Carnival organiser
6:30am Friday 1st March 2013 in News
By Michael Marsh
A scene from last year's carnival.
FANCY getting involved in one of the best small carnivals in the county? The 10 Parishes Festival is looking for organisers for this year’s showpiece.
The festival, which runs from September 7-15 in and around Wiveliscombe, includes the popular non-motorised carnival.
Last year hundreds of people took part in the procession, including Olympic torchbearer Tony Hill, 86, and it was watched by huge crowds lining the streets.
Previous organiser Mark Blaker is now looking for someone else to take over the reins.
He said: “Wiveliscombe Carnival actually dates back to the 1920s and used to rival Bridgwater as a Carnival town.
“It then all disappeared but was brought back to be part of the 10 Parishes Festival in the last few years and has gone from strength to strength.”
The role has two aspects – administration of the event itself and the organisation of pre-carnival workshops, encouraging adults and children to make ‘floats’ and costumes.
Mark added: “The role would really lend itself to two people sharing it if they wanted to.
“I can’t take it on this year but would be very pleased to help coach and support new organisers.
"We really hope someone or several people will step forward – it would be a shame if the carnival fell away again.”
Anyone interested in finding out more should contact Mark by e-mail at mark@10radio.org or hone on 01984-624721 during evenings.
