Good causes 'delighted' by Bridport Carnival support

As previously reported in the News, Bridport Carnival organisers branded the event a ‘great success’ as they presented Bridport Musical Theatre Company (BMTC) with a £500 cheque.

Beneficiaries of the carnival's fundraising have thanked the carnival for the support.

Jodie Glover, from the Bridport Musical Theatre Company fundraising team, said: "The money went towards our performance of 'Kipps' the week after the carnival, and it will also be going towards our two events next year.

"We will be holding a special concert 'An Evening With BMTC'  in memory of our director Dave Swaffield - who passed away in September - at the Bridport Arts Centre on March 29 and 30 and our musical next year will be 'Kinky Boots'.

"The money will be used to pay for things like building the set, costumes, rights to the shows and printing our programmes.

"We always love walking in the carnival each year so to take part in all the other events and receive a donation in return is really appreciated."

Chairman Graham Davies ably helped by Bridport Royalty Attendants, presenting a cheque to Jodie Glover, on behalf of Bridport Musical Theatre Company (Image: Tim Russ)

Additionally, Bridport Foundry won £100 for having the ‘Best Float’ in the procession which they asked to be donated to charity; the money was subsequently donated to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA).

Tracy Bartram, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Communications Manager said: “We are delighted to be one of the beneficiaries of Bridport Carnival, it is such a fantastic event for the local community. With no direct funding from the government or the National Lottery, donations that come from events like this are crucial in enabling us to continue saving lives.

"With every mission costing approximately £3,500 and our operational costs rising, this support is welcomed now more than ever. So, on behalf of everyone at the charity and the patients who need us, thank you to everyone involved for this fantastic support.”

Graham Davies with Ron Bishop, representatives from the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, who also participated in the 2023 events, and also received monies (Image: Tim Russ)

Organisers of the Bridport Community Carnival are asking people to mark the weekend of August 17 – 18 in their calendars for next year’s big event.

In a previous statement to the News, a spokesperson for the carnival said: "Despite everyone’s efforts, the events only just broke even this year, as costs from road closures and insurance, as well as the everyday costs of security and medical attendance, have all increased substantially.

“The feedback received has indicated that the carnival was deemed a great success this year, and it is hoped that its success can be built on for 2024 - it was a bigger and better carnival than we’ve had in years.”