Somerset Council has appointed Rigg Construction to help future-proof the world-famous Bridgwater Carnival – the biggest illuminated Carnival in Europe.
Work is expected to start soon on regenerating the Bristol Road site, where local Carnival Clubs build their spectacular carts that parade through the streets for the annual Guy Fawkes procession.
The existing sheds on site are dilapidated and no longer fit for purpose. The first phase of a three-phase project will create five modern and attractive workshops that will be more accessible for volunteers involved. They will be well-lit by natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
The project will improve almost three hectares of derelict land, infrastructure and vehicle access, create new workspace and improve the apprenticeship offer for local students.
Key next steps will develop a detailed bespoke programme, liaising with Carnival Clubs on site, to ensure the construction of the new workshops does not impact on the build of the annual carnival entries.
Councillor Bill Revans, Somerset Council’s Leader, said:
“Bridgwater Carnival is significant, not just for the town but Somerset and the South West.
“It has a proud history stretching back more than 150 years and by improving facilities for the hard-working and dedicated people involved, we will continue to enjoy the spectacle for many years to come.”
Bridgwater Carnival Committee’s Project Officer, Chris Hocking, said:
“At last, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we are delighted that contractors have finally been appointed. This has been a long process which, undoubtedly, has proved much more complex than we first envisaged. We are therefore extremely grateful for the help and guidance we have received from Somerset Council officers and elected members.
“Now that all the background work has been completed, the next phase is the really exciting one when we will see true progress being made through the construction of sheds, improvements to the infrastructure and environmental enhancements. It is the beginning of our wider ambition to create new sheds for every Bridgwater carnival club and our desire to give them the facilities they deserve so that they can continue to construct the spectacular entries which, these days, are admired across the globe.”
Bridgwater Carnival makes a significant contribution to both local arts and culture organisations and the local economy. It attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the town for the parade, while the Carnival Concerts bring in a further 4,000 or more visitors.
With a £3m contribution from the Bridgwater Town Deal Fund, a £1.25m contribution from the Somerset Community Foundation and a £650k contribution from Arts Council England, the £4.9m scheme will breathe new life into the site, off the A38 on Bristol Road.
The funding does not affect Somerset Council’s financial emergency. The money can only be spent on this specific project and cannot be used for services that Somerset Council delivers.
