HOW much would you expect to pay for a spectacular two-hour show involving a cast of hundreds and dazzling scenery created with many thousands of coloured lights?

HOW much would you expect to pay for a spectacular two-hour show involving a cast of hundreds and dazzling scenery created with many thousands of coloured lights?

Luckily for us, our annual winter carnivals which are such an incredible and unique sight in our streets, are free of charge but what we may not realise is just how much the carnival clubs and local charities rely on the donations dropped into the collecting tins by the appreciative crowds.

Carnival clubs travel many miles to line up and parade in towns like Weston.

They also raise thousands of pounds for local causes.

Carnivals are facing a challenge, with more and more rules and regulations, and it is becoming more difficult to find hideaways to build the floats as agricultural holdings contract.

Our magical carnivals are a community event, attended by mums, dads and children, and people of all ages.

D F COURTNEY

Victoria Park, Weston