A POPULAR carnival is set to return next month – and preparations are in full swing.

Chard Carnival, which took place in 2021 but without traditional carts, is finally back to normal this year.

The carnival week is set to take place from October 2 until October 8, with the traditional carnival procession on Saturday, October 8. The children’s carnival starts at 10:45am at Manor Court School. The evening procession starts at 7:45pm from Tapstone Lane (the road leading to Tesco).

On Sunday, October 2, there will be a quiz at the Conservative Club. This starts at 6:30pm and welcomes teams of four.

On Monday, October 3, there will be the beacon lighting at 6pm, with free hot chocolate from 5:30pm.

There will be a fun fair in Stringfellow park between Wednesday, October 5 and Saturday, October 8.

As well as this, Chard Carnival Committees’ annual street fayre took place on Saturday, September 10, with more than 50 stalls and live music throughout the day.

READ MORE: Chard Carnival Committee's street fayre

Zem CC, a carnival club taking part in the event, said: "We are looking forward to getting back to a normal carnival season, although we thoroughly enjoyed taking part in Chard and Ottery St. Mary last year with 'Les Mis'."

Other groups/individuals taking part in the carnival include: Tizzy’s CC; Roger Muspratt; Gemini CC; Ilminster Diamonds; Bubbles CC; Rubalo; A @ A CC; Spirit CC; Generations CC; Jiggle Mini Junior and Jiggle Junior CC.

A spokesperson for Gemini CC added: “We are looking forward to seeing all our friends in carnival again this year at carnivals, after two years of not being able to do true carnival, it will be good to be back.

“This year’s entry…..it’s not what we usually do. Bit of a different style for us. But will be a fun one. Acting old before our time.”

As well as carnival entries, there are three contestants looking to become Chard Carnival royalty. The competition closed on September 1, but the winner has not yet been revealed. The contestants are: Cohen Baulch, Elsie Harding and Amelia Collins.

Chard carnival wouldn’t be able to go ahead without your donations. The carnival has revealed four easy ways you can donate to help keep this ever-popular event alive:

  • Giving cash on carnival night
  • Pay by card on carnival night – there will be 15 card machines with collectors this year
  • Via the Chard Carnival website – visit chardcarnival.co.uk
  • Enter the monthly draw, the 100 club – this costs £10.50 to enter and you will get 12 draws. Each month they give away a £10 and £20 prize.