DONATIONS from collections at Chard Carnival were presented to a host of causes during the event’s end-of-year presentation.

Volunteers and more gathered on Sunday (January 25) to celebrate the event, which took place on October 11 last year, with a total of £6,207.56 handed to schools, groups, carnival clubs and organisations.

Chairman of the carnival, Cllr Jason Baker, said: “Carnival is something that we always look forward to in Chard and is one of the high points of the year.

“Last year we saw one of the largest crowds that we have had for some years which was great to see, we had to make some changes to our route last year which saw the full line up in Millfield rather than in Numatics as it has been for some years.

“This seemed to go smoothly and we would like to thank everyone for their support with this.

“Again, we saw entries from across the carnival circuits with entries from both Somerset, Devon and county circuits, which is always great to see and makes Chard the largest of the south Somerset Carnivals, which we are both grateful and proud of.

“We all know we need to support our local clubs and committees to keep this great tradition alive, Chard Carnival is now in its 131st year and has raised tens of thousands of pounds over the years for local charities and organisations including Chard Christmas Lights, Children’s Hospice Southwest, Chard Hospital, Air Ambulance, Chard Rugby Club, Scouts, Brownies, all the local schools and many other good causes.

“It has been great to find pictures which are held at the museum and by others showing how far Chard carnival stretches back.

“This makes it the oldest carnival in South Somerset.”

Carnival Royalty in Chard for 2025 were Kezzia, Hope and Archie

As well as the carnival itself, the committee run events throughout the year, including the annual Street Fayre in September, which last year saw more than 50 stalls line Holyrood Street.

Other events included bingo, a Carnival Quiz, a Craft Fayre & Beacon Lighting, and more.

Cllr Baker thanked the committee for their hard work, as well as sponsors including Tesco, C&D Transport, Slade’s Garage, Cricket St Thomas Hotel, The Phoenix Hotel and Kilmington Cross Garage, and Devon Truck Show.

Carnival Royalty in Chard for 2025 were Kezzia, Hope and Archie, who raised £3,568.30.

Zak Williams, who oversees collectors and collections, thanked everyone who took part, and said: “It can be a long, repetitive job to sort through thousands of coins and make sure every penny is accounted for, but with more people, we have fun and get the job done quickly. Thank you.

“Whether you gave a pound, carried a bucket, or counted a stack of silver, you’ve helped keep this tradition alive for another year. Thank you.”

Schools who supported carnival by selling light up toys – keeping 50% of profits – were: Redstart School, Avishayes School, Tatworth School and Manor Court School.

Funds raised through Chard Carnival 2025 were awarded to:
Redstart School
Avishayes School
Tatworth School
Manor Court School
CLOKS
Silverstar Elite Majorettes
TAPS
Chard Army Cadets
Colyton Brownies
Chard Evolution Majorettes
Chard Museum
Chard Scouts
Otters Carnival Club
Pickle & Spirit CC
Tizzy Carnival Club
Merriott Majorettes
Fortitude Dance group
Ilminster Air Cadets
A&A Carnival Club
Harlequins Carnival Club
Rubalo Carnival Club

The presentation ended with special grants for those who helped with the Christmas float.

Organiser, Zoe Penfold, said: “I want to take a moment to reflect on something truly special – our Christmas float – and to celebrate just how successful it has been.

“The Christmas float is a symbol of community spirit, generosity, and magic. Everywhere it went, it brought smiles to faces, excitement to children, and a real sense of Christmas cheer to our streets.

“It’s clear that the float has become a highlight of the festive season for so many. The miles walked and the hours spent out of an evening is so worth it when you see the faces of both the young and old as Father Christmas passes their door.

“The collection was down slightly on last year, however, this is doesn’t take away how much we love it. No matter if families can afford to donate or not, the Christmas float will pass their door. Once again, thank you for your support.”

The following groups all received grants for their work with the Christmas Float: Chard Scouts, Crewkerne Scouts, Silverstar Elite Majorettes, and Rubalo Carnival Club.

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