CARY CHEERS COMMUNITY CARNIVAL!

Cary streets were full to celebrate the return of carnival on Saturday 17 October, in a special post-pandemic community procession.   

Photos:  Tom Barr – https://www.facebook.com/TomBarrPhotography/

The streets of Castle Cary last Saturday 17 October were once again full of people enjoying carnival.  Spirits were high, as a bumper, good-natured crowd watched a fabulously creative and colourful procession.

After missing a year due to the pandemic, way back in April, Cary and Ansford Carnival Society made the brave decision to go ahead with a ‘community carnival’ procession made up of primarily walking entries.

“We didn’t know how people would respond as they are so used to all the glitz of the large floats.” explains Society Chair, Paul Burch.  “The committee have worked incredibly hard to fund raise as we came out of lockdown and then re-organise every part of the procession.  So we are thrilled that the risk and hard work have paid off.  The feedback from the community has been amazing.  It was really clear that people wanted to come together after such a long time.”

The procession was heralded by the Bristol Blackhawks Harley Davidson motorbikes, and opened by over 100 school children in Cary’s first ever lantern parade.  Children competed from Queen Camel, Wincanton, Castle Cary with the winners being from North Cadbury primary school.

With so many walking entries competition was really stiff, and huge congratulations to all the winners.  For the incredibly positive crowd everyone came first for putting in the work and being there!  A special mention goes to the local Scouts, Rugby Club, and CATS (Cary Amateur Theatre Society), who brought back the carnival spirit of years ago by dressing up and entering.

Also great to see numerous Carnival Clubs and Societies from all over the area stepping up to help out in different ways.  Clubs by entering, walking and on small carts, some coming to Cary carnival for the first time or in different guises!  Other carnival town’s sent marshals, many new to Cary, and getting involved in the days running up to carnival as anticipation built … or simply turning up to help on the day!

With the majorette troupes on sparkling, twirling form, it was clear that many young people had put their lockdown time to good use!

The energy in the procession was palpable, harnessed by a fabulous trio of bands; traditional parade openers HMS Heron, lightening-fingered Dolphin Marching Band and the toe-tapping Blackdown Samba Band.

“A huge thank you to everyone who made it happen.  We’re really pleased to have raised approaching £2,000.” says a tired and happy Paul Burch, “The atmosphere was phenomenal around the town.  We have shown that one pandemic later carnival spirit is very much alive and kicking in Cary and Ansford.  Bring on 2022!!”