Updated guidance notes for entries
Please note – we are now offering appearance money, rather than prize money. See below.
There are a significant number of changes to our carnival this year! A different route and different entry classes to name but two.
If you are entering our carnival, its really important that you are fully aware of all the changes so you can have a great time on the night! Here our our Guidance Notes for entries – below and attached, and also a copy of the new route.
If you have any questions, or want further information, send a message from our website, or contact our Entries and Judging Secretary (also our Society Chair) Paul Burch, on paully.b@hotmail.co.uk or 07973 932207.
Guidance notes
After the Procession, live music and a carnival awards presentation will take place at the Market House opposite the George Hotel. Please join us in this celebration of our wonderful Somerset tradition.
There are a smaller number of entry categories this year. We are also offering modest appearance money than usual, in keeping with the ‘community carnival’ spirit of the event. Cups will be awarded to the winners of the following categories.
Best Individual Juvenile Masquerader (‘walking entry’), up to 15 years – £20
Best Individual Masquerader – £20
Best Walking Group – £40
Best Walking Pair – £30
Best Mounted Entry – £60
All entries are regardless of age unless specified.
We will also be awarding some special awards for the following, Spectators Choice and Chairman’s Choice of Best Lantern.
NOTE – this appearance money replaces earlier information about prize money for first place.
We look forward to seeing you all and thank you so much for your continued support.
GUIDANCE NOTES
1 – Any Carts and wheeled props will be guided by marshals that will be stationed adjacent to Castle Cary Bowls Club at the junction of Priory View and Churchfield Drive. Please enter this assembly area via the A371 and turn at the top of Churchfield Drive and follow this road approx, 300 yards until you come to the Marshals post at the above location. Line up guidance will be available from 17:00. If you arrive prior to this time please contact the Procession Organiser on 07973932207.
2 – Car parking for mini buses will be available in the car park of the Bowls Club, any larger buses will be directed to a separate parking area by the Marshals.
3 – If you are entering with a Majorette Troup, Band, Masquerade or Lantern entry please report to the Permanent Marshals Station ( Gazebo ) that will be situated at the bottom of Victoria Park / Station Road. You will then be directed to the relevant assembly area.
4 – Any Entry Numbers will be distributed by the Committee at the Permanent Marshals Station located at the bottom of Victoria Park / Station Road.
5 – The throwing and squirting of water or other liquids is strictly prohibited.
6 – No alcohol is to be consumed on Carts or by road crew during the procession.
7 – The Procession will move off at 7pm.
8 – All Persons Enter at their own risk, if you are entering with a float over the VSO specifications then please ensure that your entry is compliant with the requirements of the VSO. This is your own responsibility to do so. Further information on the VSO can be found on the avonandsomerset.police.uk website under the title Apply for a Vehicle Special Order for a Carnival.
9 – Please ensure that you have Public Liability Insurance if this is required for your entry.
Map showing new procession route, assembly points and dispersal.
Assembly point/ Line up – Victoria Park/ Churchfield Road
Route – Left onto Station Road, right into Lower Woodcock Street, left into Fore Street. Then past the Market House and into the High Street.
Finish – at the Junction of High Street and Ansford Road, by Highfield House.
Dispersal – at the entrance to Catherine’s Close.
NOTE TO WALKING ENTRIES – please walk through Catherine’s Close and back into the town through the path marked on the map. Please do not return down the route of the procession.