Somerset MPs have urged the government to step in and help secure the long-term future of carnival, warning soaring costs are putting one of the county's best-loved traditions under serious pressure. Glastonbury, Wells and Shepton Mallet were all put at the heart of the argument during a Westminster Hall debate on 12 March.

Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke, who led the debate, said Somerset's carnivals have been celebrated for more than 400 years and remain hugely important to local communities, charities and businesses.

Ms Dyke said: "Carnivals have been celebrated in Somerset for over 400 years and continue to be wonderful celebrations that are of economic, social and cultural importance to the country."

Ms Dyke said clubs were being squeezed by rising bills for materials, fuel, generator hire, insurance and health and safety, with the cost of putting a single illuminated cart on the road now topping £30,000 in some cases.

She said: "The costs include materials, fuel, tractor and generator hire, insurance and health and safety compliance; all those costs have risen and continue to rise."

For Glastonbury, Ms Dyke pointed to the role carnival clubs play in building community spirit and helping young people develop skills. She also highlighted concerns from Wick Carnival Club in Glastonbury about the need for safe and secure premises for clubs to operate from.

Ms Dyke also said Glastonbury Chilkwell Carnival had seen street collections falling year after year, with cash donations drying up and poor mobile signal making digital giving harder in rural Somerset.

Wells and Shepton Mallet were also raised directly in Parliament. Wells and Mendip Hills MP Tessa Munt said weak signal in parts of Shepton Mallet, Wells and the surrounding area was making it harder for organisers to use QR codes and other cashless donation methods on carnival nights.

advertisement

She said: "In parts of Shepton Mallet, the city of Wells and almost the whole of the way east of Wells is without any WiFi, even for those who live there. That makes things incredibly difficult."

That matters because carnival is not just a big night out in places like Glastonbury, Wells and Shepton Mallet. It is a major part of local identity, a draw for visitors and an important source of support for clubs and charities across Somerset.

Ms Dyke said the wider Somerset carnival circuit contributes more than £40m to the local economy every year, giving a major boost to local businesses and community groups.

The government said it would work with MPs on possible funding opportunities through its Arts Everywhere programme.

For Glastonbury, Wells and Shepton Mallet, the warning from Westminster was clear — without long-term backing, one of Somerset's biggest traditions could face an increasingly uncertain future.

More local stories

• Wells Bishop's Eye gate repair bid blocked
• Shepton Mallet to enter Town of Culture bid
• Glastonbury area dig uncovers 6000-year-old trackway

For publication across all three sites, swap in the relevant site newsletter line.