Town councillors have this week given a thumbs-up to the proposed move of Highbridge and Burnham Carnival from Monday to Sunday nights from 2012.
John Hodgson from the town’s Carnival Committee outlined the proposed move during a town council meeting on Monday (July 5th).
He explained: “Bridgwater will be moving its carnival to Saturday nights from 2012, so we’re looking at holding Burnham carnival the day after, on Sunday November 4th. Holding the event on Sundays has many advantages for Burnham.”
“We think there would be bigger crowds of spectators. Also, disruption along Queens Drive would be reduced because it would be closed for just one day, rather than two. Also, we think spectators would be more likely to stay in Burnham for the whole weekend, helping trade at hotels and guesthouses, than if the event were held on a weekday.”
County Councillor Peter Burridge-Clayton told the meeting he is in favour of the proposed move, but questioned whether all the carnival clubs at Bridgwater would take part in Burnham’s parade just 24 hours later.
Carnival Chairman Phil New told the meeting this is a concern that the committee is looking into.
Cllr Eric Gill pointed out that Burnham’s fireworks display would also have to be shifted from the Sunday – although there was some support among councillors for holding the seafront display after the carnival itself, keeping it on a Sunday.
Councillors took a vote on whether to support the proposed move to Sundays and were unanimously in favour.
This year’s carnival is unaffected by the discussions – it will be held on Monday November 8th.
RELATED LINK:
Burnham-On-Sea Carnival 2010
