Controversial plans to move Burnham-On-Sea’s 2013 Carnival date to the day before Bridgwater are in doubt following a meeting of carnival clubs last night (Thursday) where the proposals were discussed.
Over 60 representatives from clubs in Bridgwater attended the two-and-a-half hour meeting to consider Burnham Carnival Committee’s intention to hold the Highbridge and Burnham procession on Friday November 1st, the night before Bridgwater, as reported here.
During a heated meeting, several Bridgwater clubs said they are considering not taking part in this year’s carnival in Burnham if the move goes ahead.
This would mean Burnham’s procession may not include some of the larger crowd-pleasing entries.
“You take them away and Burnham won’t have much of a carnival to offer,” one person who was present at the meeting told Burnham-On-Sea.com afterwards.
“The clubs feel that the Friday move would not be in Bridgwater’s best interests and do not respect the long history behind the carnival.”
“It’s concerning that the police and VOSA (the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency), who test the carts, also don’t appear to have been consulted over the plans – their backing will be crucial to any date change.”
Burnham Carnival Chairman Phil New defended the proposals and also explained the rationale behind the proposals, outlining the need to boost income for the carnival.
It also emerged during the meeting that Monday 4th November may be the second choice date for some of the Burnham Carnival Committee members.
A further meeting is to be held on January 17th once discussions have been held with other carnival clubs on the Somerset circuit to gather wider feedback.
