Thousands of people will line the streets of Burnham-On-Sea this evening (Monday) when dozens of colourful illuminated carts take part in the 67th annual Highbridge and Burnham Carnival.
The weather for tonight’s procession – which starts at 7.30pm – is forecast to be overcast with cool temperatures of around 9°C and the chance of light rain at the end of the parade.
A number of Carnival day road closures and diversions will be in operation during today’s event and visitors are being advised to leave extra time before travelling.
Burnham Carnival Chairman Phil New, above, says everything is now in place for a great night. “It promises to be a super evening – we have around 90 entries in total, with 45 carts and 45 walking groups and individuals, and there are some really great entries this year.”
Many residents and carnival enthusiasts have been getting an early daylight glimpse of the entries in Love Lane ahead of tonight’s procession – and the carts are continuing to be on show through today.
The route of tonight’s parade is unchanged, starting in Love Lane, near the town’s Tesco supermarket. The carts will then wend their way along Love Lane, into Manor Road and Victoria Street, before travelling along Burnham High Street and finishing in Marine Drive, as shown on the map.
The entries arrived in Burnham’s Love Lane on Saturday evening after completing the Bridgwater Carnival. Burnham’s Chief Marshall Paul Archer told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The arrival of the carts went very successfully and we’ve had positive feedback from nearby residents – all is now on track for a great parade tonight.”
Phil New added: “We hope that Aliens Carnival Club, who didn’t make it to Bridgwater, will be out tonight for the first time. And we also hope that Centurions Carnival Club, who suffered several technical problems on Saturday, will be also be in the parade.”
The biggest cheers of the night from locals, though, are likely to go to Burnham’s Hillview Carnival Club with its colourful Jungle Fever cart, pictured here.
The club – which is the last to be based in Burnham – is celebrating its 40th anniversary after a challenging year and has pulled out all the stops to create a super entry. Hillview did well at Bridgwater on Saturday.
In celebration of Hillview’s 40th anniversary, four queens will be leading tonight’s parade. They will be last year’s Queen Emma Nicholson, 2007 Queen Kayley Elton, 2005 Queen Chloe Baker and Sian Fisher from Hillview Carnival Club – pictured here with Carnival Secretary Linda Bullimore.
Emma said: “I really loved it last year and am very much looking forward to tonight’s parade. The excitement is really building and I just hope the weather stays good.”
Other local groups taking part in the parade include Burnham’s DanceFit dance academy and The Princess Theatre.
Burnham’s emergency services, including BARB Search & Rescue and the ambulance service, will be taking part in the procession near the front.
Burnham Town Crier Alastair Murray and long-serving Burnham Carnival President Malcolm Borland will also be near the front of the parade.
Around 200 volunteers have come forward to help collect donations from spectators tonight and there will also be collection carts throughout the parade, with an appeal being made today for visitors to dig deep and donate.
Parking will be available at the car parks in Burnham’s Oxford Street, Marine Drive and at Morrisons supermarket. There will also be spaces in some side streets. More details are available in the official programme, on sale at £1.50 in the town.
Battle Of Atlantis by Marketeers is among the top entries to look out for
Colourful entries abound including Merry Grinchmas from Wills Carnival Club
The Centurions cart broke down here in Burnham Road on Saturday evening
Fire and Ice, by Gorgons Carnival Club, on show in Burnham today
Burnham Carnival Chief Marshall Paul Archer says everything is on track
A number of road closures, like this one in Frank Foley Parkway, are in force today – click here for the full list and diversions
RELATED LINKS:
Follow us on Twitter for more carnival photos and updates
Full guide to the 2014 Burnham-On-Sea Carnival
Send us your feedback on the 2014 Burnham-On-Sea Carnival
