Several crewmembers on a carnival float at last weekend’s Bridgwater Carnival suffered ‘minor, short-term effects’ to their eyes after the entry reportedly used UV bulbs.
Several people needed medical treatment after the entry called ‘Halloween in Deadman’s Hollow’ run by Ramblers Carnival Club used the wrong type of bulbs in their display.
They received treatment for ‘arc eye’, a condition which is caused by exposure to bright UV light – although no-one in the crowd is known to hace been affected.
The float was part of Monday’s Burnham-On-Sea Carnival where there were no problems as the technical issue had been “rectified.”
Paul Webber, secretary of Ramblers Carnival Club, blamed the weather for the problem on their float.
He said: “Ramblers Carnival Club would like to acknowledge that during the Bridgwater Carnival Procession on Saturday November 4th, there were some technical issues, due to adverse weather conditions, causing damage to some lighting.”
“These technical issues, once identified, were immediately rectified and alternative technology is now in use.”
“These issues did cause some minor, short-term effects to the cart personnel, but we are happy to confirm that there are no continuing problems.”
“We would like to thank all those involved with carnival for their concerns and support and wish you all luck in the remaining processions.”
“The club would now like to consider the matter closed and will not be answering any further questions.”
Joanne Rich, whose father was injured, wrote online: “Spent a few hours at Musgrove with my dad Ian Fudge after the carnival the lights on the cart got wet and burnt his eyes. Never seen someone in such a state. He’s had some injections in his eyes to ease the pain and eyedrops. Bloody awful.”
The float was part of the display at Monday’s Burnham-On-Sea Carnival and Friday’s Weston Carnival.
