The final countdown is underway for Burnham-On-Sea’s first Carnival walking parade, which starts at 7pm this evening (Monday, November 8th).
The parade of walking performers will take place through Burnham-On-Sea, starting at Burnham Holiday Village on a shorter route than normal outlined below. No illuminated carnival carts will take part this year.
The photos here show the parade in Bridgwater on Saturday evening to give a flavour of what to expect.
The Burnham-On-Sea weather forecast for tonight forecasts that it will be cloudy with a slight chance of light rain during the parade with temperatures of 13°C.
The event’s Chairman, Phil New, pictured below with a programme, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Instead of waiting another 12 months, our committee is joining forces with Bridgwater to stage a ‘Carnivalites in costume’ street masquerade – rather different to the traditional carts we are all used to seeing.”
“Over 30 groups from the area are taking part. We have all had enough of the ‘doom and gloom’ so now is the time to bring back a bit of normality and give everyone a carnival event to enjoy!”
The line-up will include walking entries from these Carnival Clubs: A&A, British Flag, Cavaliers, Centurion, Crusaders, Dynamite, Eclipse, Gremlins, Griffens, Harlequin, Hillview, Kai Newbury of Chard, Lime Kiln, Make You Laugh, Mardons, Marina Sydenham, Marketers, Newmarket, Pentathlon, Ramblers, Renegades, Spirit, Tizzy’s, Vagabonds, Westonzoyland and Wilfs. There will also be local groups from the Burnham area taking part as well.
The line-up of over 30 groups has been unveiled in the event’s programme, which is on sale at £1 from local shops including GW Hurleys, Burnham tourist information centre, Superchips, Toycupboard, Co-Op Morlands and Highbridge Caravans.
The event is part of the Sedgemoor Masquerade Week, which replaces the traditional illuminated carnival processions which have been cancelled for a second year.
Route of the Burnham-On-Sea walking parade
The Parade will start at 7pm at Burnham’s Haven Holiday Village in Marine Drive and will go along Marine Drive towards Highbridge past the Lighthouse Inn, up to the Esso Garage in Burnham Rd near Apex Park, then left at the Roundabout, along Burnham Road past the Police Station, along Highbridge Road past the Lighthouse Inn and Catholic round church, then left into Abingdon St, up to the town, then left and down Old Station Approach back to the Haven Holiday Village.
Phil adds: “We will dedicate this year’s grand costume parade to all of the key workers who have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic, as well as all of the volunteers who have played a major supporting role.”
