CARNIVAL IN CRISIS
Act now to keep carnival on our streets!
Our 2023 carnival is in serious trouble. Castle Cary & Ansford Carnival is run by a very small team of carnival loving people, who give up their time to make sure that come October we all have something to look forward to and celebrate together. Unfortunately, we no longer have enough committee members and helpers to do all the work required to safely put on Cary’s big night out.
Every October since 1977 we have had a carnival parading through our town and the Society is working hard to make sure that this year will be no different. However, we need our community’s help to keep carnival alive.
We have a number of crucial jobs that we need people to take on. For details, see over leaf. Some jobs take place in the last weeks before carnival, some on the night and some throughout the year. Of these, a couple are Committee member roles, and we would love a few more general Committee members to especially help out with the vital year-long fund-raising. Or you could become a ‘Friend of the Carnival’ and help out from time to time.
Thank you for showing your love of carnival
We are very grateful for your year-round support. It costs over £7000 to put on our Children’s and Illuminated Carnivals. THANK YOU for coming to our fundraising events, buying our cakes, bacon rolls and sausages and having a go at our silly games! A huge thank you also to amazing sponsorship from local businesses. All of this makes carnival possible, by funding the safety equipment, insurance also wonderful entries, bands, dance troupes and majorettes that make up the amazing processions.
And by donating during the children’s carnival, or the evening carnival you are giving back to our community as 80% of the collection being donated to local charitable groups and causes.
Contact us to keep carnival on our streets!
Once again, without more people helping out in 2023 Castle Cary and Ansford will be without an illuminated carnival for the first time in 45 years. To keep carnival on our streets, contact the current General Secretary, Caroline Sharley on 07711 266969 or carolinejsharley@gmail.com .
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
Friends of Carnival
Collecting and marshalling – help raise money for local charitable causes by collecting during the procession, or keeping the public safe as they watch the procession
Supporting fund raising events – for instance, making cakes, or helping out on a stall throughout the year
Assisting the Chief Marshal – help our Chief Marshal run a safe and efficient carnival by putting out signs and cones, and being on hand throughout the carnival
Committee roles
Minutes secretary – take committee meeting minutes and agree the agenda
Collections Manager – enrol collectors, look after the collection on the night – and until it reaches the bank!
Entries and Judging Secretary – make sure entries can enter the carnival, be judged and awarded their prizes
General Secretary – organise events, book venues and acts, support the chief marshal with road closures and enrolling marshals, manage correspondence and other ad hoc duties
Chair or Vice Chair – a key role providing leadership for carnival in our towns, lead the Committee and engage external stakeholders
General Committee Members – help with year-round fund-raising, be the face of carnival in our towns, and help out with the children’s and illuminated carnivals
