A POPULAR carnival procession is not taking place this year.

Ilminster Carnival Committee (ICC) have decided to hold carnival week events from September 26 until October 2 2021, but without a procession.

ICC have said the main reason for this is lack of fundraising events, and the clubs not being able to build to their “usual standards”.

“We have made the decision after consulting with the carnival clubs that we will be holding Carnival week events between 26th Sept - 2nd Oct 2021, but no procession,” said a spokesperson for ICC.

“We have not taken this decision lightly but with no major fundraising events for the clubs or committees and the clubs not being able to build to their usual standards we will not be holding a procession.

“Instead we will concentrate on a week of carnival events dependent on Covid-19 restrictions at the time.

“We look forward to seeing everyone for our 100th year celebrations in 2022 when we will hopefully resume our main procession.”

This is the second year Ilminster Carnival has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Last year, the carnivals in Wellington, Chard, Ilminster and Taunton, part of the South Somerset Federation of Carnivals, were all cancelled due to public health and safety.

However, organisers of Ilminster Carnival still hosted virtual events for people to take part in.

These included the Guess the Entry Quizzes and a competition called ‘The Best of Ilminster Carnival 2009-2019’.

Throughout lockdown, the ICC has been running a JustGiving page.

If you would like the support the iconic annual event, you can donate at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ilminster-carnival.

To find out more about Ilminster Carnival visit ilminstercarnival.co.uk.