DESPITE being in its 53rd year, Chard Carnival faces never-before-seen challenges.

The parade has run for more than five decades consecutively, running on the second Saturday of October.

And the town will still mark the occasion, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

The parade is off, understandably, but there will be a display of carnival in the Guildhall.

Jason Baker, carnival chairman, said: “This year it has not been possible to hold the event due to the current restrictions which are in place to keep us all safe.

“The safety and wellbeing of everyone involved as participants, spectators and the supporting Emergency and Public Services must come above everything else.

“Carnivals are sociable affairs - this starts with clubs meeting together to build entries right through to the huge public spectaculars with thousands of spectators lining the streets.

“The need for ongoing social distancing for months to come will have an impact on Carnival Clubs and we will do what we can to support them in the future.”

The carnival display will run from 10am until 4pm on Saturday, October 10.

Mr Backer added: “We hope to have clubs attending with models, costumes along with trophies and many other items of interest.

“This event will be social distanced and will follow all current guidelines so that we can offer a safe alternative Carnival event this year.

“We will be posting pictures of carnival entries throughout the years on our social media during Chard Carnival week and will be showing previous carnival videos on Chard carnival day.”

Chard Carnival has raised tens of thousands of pounds over the years for local charities and organisations including Chard Christmas Lights, Children’s Hospice South West, Chard Hospital, Air Ambulance, Chard Rugby Club, Scouts, Brownies and all the local schools.

“We could not let the year go past us without marking the day, Mr Baker said.

“We will be posting pictures of carnival entries throughout the years on our social media during Chard Carnival week and will be showing previous carnival videos on Chard carnival day.

“Our popular ‘Spot the wrong un’ competition will be taking part during carnival week and several shops will be decorating their windows.”

Entry forms are available from Emery’s, Cottage Cleaners, Pets Pantry, Paul Fenton, Scott Rowe, Best Wishes and the Guildhall.

Plans are already starting on the 2021 parade.