The finishing touches are being put to a special carnival float that will be taking part in The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London this Sunday (June 5th).
The unique ‘Jubilation’ cart has been invited to take part in the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London as part of this week’s celebrations.
It comes as work on the special cart is nearing completion, with around 200 carnivalites from many different carnival clubs involved in the prestigious project.
Spectators at this autumn’s Burnham-On-Sea Carnival on November 7th and the other six Somerset Guy Fawkes Carnivals in Bridgwater, Weston, North Petherton, Shepton Mallet, Wells and Glastonbury will also get to see the cart in its full glory.
The 100ft long cart has been designed to reflect various regal elements of the monarchy, including the royal crest, crowns, royal carriages, Yeoman of the Guard, etc, with additional links to the commonwealth.
It contains over 40 engineered moving parts and 18 spectacularly crafted models.
“The Platinum Jubilee Pageant tells the story of The Queen’s 70-year reign, and as part of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival’s entry there will be 32 dancing costumed performers on the cart with a further 110 dancing in the street in front of the entry,” says spokesman Dave Stokes.
“The dance parade at the front of the entry is representing street parties – a feature of previous jubilee and royal celebrations in towns and cities throughout the UK. Dance rehearsals are well underway for those carnivalites taking part.”
For some of the local carnivalites taking part in the jubilee pageant parade, the occasion will bring on some extra personal significance.
Sue Duddridge from Newmarket Carnival Club is one of the cast members who will be dancing in front of the entry on the day.
She was very keen to get involved as a tribute to her father, Dave Hodge, who had the honour of marching in the Queen’s coronation back in 1953.
It is very much a family affair because Sue’s daughter, Christie Sidebottom is also involved with Bridgwater Carnival’s pageant entry.
Another two carnivalites who will have an extra reason to celebrate over the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend are Alex Evans and Gemma Lewis of Renegades Carnival Club.
The couple are getting married on the Friday before the pageant parade, and this will be third time lucky for the pair after their wedding got cancelled twice because of COVID restrictions. Just 48 hours after tying the knot, the bride and groom will be part of the Bridgwater Carnival entry, in front of Her Majesty the Queen and the watching world.
Dave Stokes adds: “We are so very excited to be constructing an entry for the Queen’s Jubilee Pageant, and the cart being built will reflect the style and expertise which have become the hallmarks of Bridgwater Carnival processions.”
“This is a massive team effort and the reward will be seeing a Bridgwater Carnival cart, in all its glory, parading before a royal audience and being witnessed by millions around the world. This is great publicity for the town of Bridgwater and every illuminated carnival in Somerset, and all of the carnivalites involved are very proud of what they are doing and have a very unique story to tell.”
Pictured: Work underway on the special carnival cart (Photos: Bridgwater Photographic Society / Brian Sweeting)
