Weston carnival will draw 100,000

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Monday, November 17, 2008
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This is Bristol

Thousands of spectators will line the streets of Weston-super-Mare on Monday night as the annual glittering carnival comes to town.

The procession is the last in the Somerset circuit nicknamed the Magnificent Seven, which includes Bridgwater, North Petherton, Burnham and Highbridge, Shepton Mallet, Wells and Glastonbury.

Marching bands will lead the procession including around 60 large floats from Locking Road car park at 7.15pm.

It will make its way along Alexandra Parade, Alfred Street, Waterloo Street, South Parade, the seafront and Carlton Street before returning to the car park three hours later.

Collection floats and walkers will be raising funds on the night trying to increase falling donation levels experienced over the past few years.

Around 100,000 people are expected to attend.

Police say they are hoping for a safe and enjoyable evening and extra patrols will be out on the night to try to make sure that happens.

They will be bolstered by the road policing unit, dog and mounted section to provide reassurance.

Chief inspector Nick Walker of North Somerset police said: "Last year's event attracted large numbers and was a good-natured event with only isolated incidents of public disorder.

"We are hoping for a repeat this year and hope everyone attending will enjoy themselves and make it an event to remember, helping to confirm Weston as a top coastal resort."

In the event of strong winds, the carnival route will be diverted from Alexandra Parade along Locking Road, over Drove Road Bridge, along Winterstoke Road and back down Marchfields Way before crossing Hildesheim Bridge.

Spectators are being advised to arrive early and avoid using cars if possible.

Roads within the carnival route will be closed from 6pm onwards and parking spaces in the town will not be available for drivers after 6pm.

This includes Alexandra Parade, Alfred Street, Waterloo Street, South Parade, the seafront and Carlton Street, Hildesheim Bridge, Locking Road from the junction with Drove Road and the Boulevard after the junction with Albert Quadrant.

The roads and spaces will not re-open again until after the procession has finished, which will be around 10.30pm.

The best reports, pics and videos from Weston carnival will be posted on this website tonight. You can also email us your pics or upload your videos.

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2 Comments

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by Kevin, Bristol

    Monday, November 17 2008, 12:19PM

    “I am off to WSM this evening to take my Grandaughter for the first time. It is a shame that it doesn't come to Bristol but when it did many of the floats were damaged and I can understand why they withdrew.”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by Richard, Bristol

    Monday, November 17 2008, 11:01AM

    “Can the Evening Post run a campaign to bring the carnival home to Bristol as well? It felt great years ago and brought a festive feeling to our city; it will be the perfect finishing touch to all the hard work that has gone in to Bristol Centre over the past few years.”

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