The organisers of the Bath Carnival have set up a campaign to raise £8000 to help with the increasing costs of putting on such a large free event for the community.
Partying on top the VIP bus in a carnival parade is just one of the rewards available on Bath Carnival’s Indiegogo crowdfunder page.
The news comes after Cardiff Carnival announced it would not be happening for the first time since 1990 while St Paul’s Carnival in Bristol has also had its funding cut.
Bath Carnival co-organiser, Robbie Verrecchia said: “Every year we remain committed to keeping our event free to the public, but it does mean that we don’t have the opportunity to raise money through ticket sales.
“So earlier this month we made the decision to ask the community of Bath if they would support the event with small donations towards a crowdfunder.”
The money raised from the Indiegogo campaign will ensure that the Carnival procession features professional acts to perform alongside participants from the community.
It will also fund live entertainment, children’s activities and infrastructure at an event in Sydney Gardens.
For £10 contributions or more, you can can have your name featured on a Supporter’s Wall of Fame at Sydney Gardens.
Other rewards include a full Samba band performance at your home, a festival hamper in Sydney Gardens and even the chance to join the Mayor of Bath for a drink.
A highlight of each year is the large Carnival procession which transforms the streets of Bath with colourful performances from local schools, dance clubs, community groups and professional acts.
This year there is also the free festival event in Sydney Gardens which will have live entertainment, free workshops and a range of traders providing food and drink.
Now in it’s fourth year Bath Carnival, a non-profit organisation, has established strong links in the community, providing workshops in costume, dance and music to schools, disability groups and community centers in the months leading up to the final event.
Last week, two of those groups, Action on Hearing Loss and Odd Down Community Centre began their series of workshops with an afternoon of costume making.
Over the next few weeks more groups will begin their workshop programmes including Black Families Organisation, Wheels For All, Gateway Community Centre, Threeway Schools, St Gregory’s Secondary School and Newbridge Primary School.
This year Bath Carnival takes place on Saturday 16th July. To make a donation visit: https://igg.me/at/bathcarnival.
The crowdfunder page will close at 4pm on Friday 3rd June and Bath Carnival will receive the total amount pledged if they do not reach their £8000 target.
