EACH year, a van traverses Somerset, educating people young and old about the history of one of the county’s quaintest quirks – carnivals.

In 2009/10, a fundraising campaign was created by members of carnival clubs in Castle Cary, Frome, Glastonbury and Wells, to create the Carnivals In Somerset Promotion Project (CISPP).

The aim to convert a van which could be used as a mobile exhibition space, museum and classroom, to inform people about carnival, past and present, including safety for young people and more.

Having secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund the project, led by Dr Andrew Tallon of UWE, Bristol and supported by Moving Art TV of Bridgwater, was created – intending to continue for a decade.

Now, 15 years on, members hope it can continue “for another decade at least”.

However, they need help to make sure the show stays on the road. The van costs around £2,500 to run each year, for running costs, van maintenance, insurance etc, so CISPP has to fundraise to cover the costs.

A decade ago, the van ‘wrap’ was sponsored – but despite the efforts of member Mike Webber, who improves the lighting each year, the wrap is in need of renewal, with a price tag of between £3,000 and £4,000.

“Until a sponsor is found we must continue with the existing van wrap,” said Dr Tallon, chair of CISPP.
However, the efforts of CISPP have not gone unnoticed.

Dr Tallon went on: “We have recently been advised that we have won an award for ‘Celebrating community engagement through carnival events and charity contributions’ at the Southern Enterprise Awards 2025.

“This is in the voluntary section of the awards and we are being inducted in their Hall of Fame.”

He said the group also has a popular website, while Moving Art TV produces DVDs of carnivals each year which have proved to be a major fundraiser.

For more on CISPP – and how you can get involved – visit cispp.org.uk.