Carnival 2021 … BRING IT ON!

It’s just gone 5pm on what would have been carnival day 2020.  Our 100th anniversary.  Castle Cary and Ansford Carnival started up after squaddies came back from the first world war.  It would have been a very special procession.

All day I’ve been thinking about what would normally have been happening.  From waking up feeling those first flickers of excitement in my stomach.  By mid afternoon, I’m thinking, ‘the cones would be going out now’.  5pm, and – weather permitting – the first chairs would be coming out on the pavements.  The chatter and sense of excitement, of anticipation building … it’s Cary’s big night out.  We don’t get that many, and we’re going to make the most of it!

But there is not much normal about this year.  Carnival, like so much that makes for celebration and coming together, is cancelled.  At first, as a carnival committee, we couldn’t believe that we wouldn’t be able to ‘do something’.  But no.  Inevitably, along with countless other special events, we are looking to next year … and hoping.

“Thank you” to everyone who has commented on our Facebook ‘Guess the year’ series, to everyone who has said “no carnival … can’t believe it”, to everyone who has completed one of our quizzes, or taken part in the walking Treasure Hunt.  And to everyone who has continued to donate – please keep your coppers – and any larger donations – coming!

The good news is that Castle Cary and Ansford are in great position to put on a carnival next year.  COVID willing, this time next year, I will be in my hi-viz jacket outside Ansford Academy welcoming our marshals, majorettes, entries and bands … just about able to hear myself think over the carts screaming out their sound-tracks.  And loving every minute of it!

2021 … BRING IT ON!

 

Caroline Sharley

Proud to be, General Secretary, Castle Cary and Ansford Carnival Society