End of the road for Somerset carnival?

08 November 2009

THE abolition of old fashioned light bulbs and rising fees could spell the end of the dazzling carnival floats we know and love.

Club officials are worried that after the EU announced a compulsory phase out of 100W and frosted incandescent light bulbs, the new costly but energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), will cause a damaging 'snowball affect'.

Secretary for Highbridge and Burnham Carnival Association, Jan Paul said: "Each cart uses between 10,000 and 30,000 bulbs.

"We currently pay 20p for the bulbs and these new ones are about £1.20 which is a huge increase.

"That isn't even including the coloured caps that are needed on top of this.

"If the clubs can't afford the bulbs then we won't get the entries and if we don't get these the charities don't get the money and it creates a snowball affect.

"Eventually the carnival will fold as the costs will become too much."

MP for the area David Heathcoat-Amory is supporting the longstanding carnival tradition and says he will fight for the town's carnival.

A further unwelcome development is the demand from the Performing Arts Society (PAS) for large payments in respect of the music played on the giant carts.

Mr Heathcoat-Amory said Highbridge and Burnham Carnival Association is now facing a bill of around £1,400 although the royalties will not be passed on to each of the recording artists actually used.

He said: "I am a strong supporter of the carnival tradition. It is often not understood in Brussels or London that these are charitable events which create a great deal of fun and enjoyment as well as raising large sums for good causes."

"I raised the question of the extra costs of light bulbs in the House of Commons but the Government was not sympathetic.

"I will do whatever I can to raise these issues and get exemptions for our annual carnivals. I would like to see some National Lottery funding for carnival clubs, and I will support any such application."

Treasurer of Hillview Juvenile Carnival Club in Highbridge, Lyn Burland, said although they have enough bulbs for this year they are worried about the future increase in costs when they have to change.

She said: "It's not like we can stockpile as we can't afford too as we have a budget.