By Harry Mottram: The Axbridge Carnival Queen and her princesses have been announced to ensure the family community event in September is blessed with the presence of carnival royalty. At the Axbridge First School Summer Fete in July a trio of first school pupils were crowned to continue the tradition of Carnival Queens dating back as far as anyone could remember.
In their gowns of scarlet and green they are Axbridge Carnival Queen Cora and her two escorting princess who are both called Rosie, completed the trio of carnival royalty – pictured. The three girls from Axbridge who attend the town’s school are now set to fulfil their duties as symbolic heads of the annual social event and most importantly to lead the procession through the streets on Saturday 21st September at 2pm in a decorated float.
The Carnival Queen’s equerry said on her behalf that she was thrilled to be part of the carnival and together with her princesses looked forward to the big day in September.
Axbridge Carnival dates back to the post war period and so far nobody is sure as to when it began although the construction of the bypass in 1967 is favourite. However Cheddar held a carnival after World War 2 to raise funds for the reconstruction of the country after the war and it is possible Axbridge did the same.
Unlike some carnivals in Somerset like Bridgwater and Taunton, Axbridge’s is in the afternoon without the need for lightbulbs – and coincides with the fun fair that is set up in the Square creating a dramatic and colourful spectacle. Known as the Axbridge Blackberry Carnival, to coincide with the harvest of the soft fruit, in previous years there have been running races, a pram race and even a blackberry picking picnic. Carnivals date back centuries in some parts of the West Country with Somerset not enjoying a monopoly of the event with many other processions held across the region from Wiltshire to Cornwall. Perhaps one procession that Axbridge’s is closest to is the Harvest Home – still going strong in Shipham and Wedmore – in which there is an afternoon procession to celebrate a successful harvest.
A few years ago, Axbridge Carnival nearly folded as the old committee wished to step aside and new highways and other red tape restrictions threatened it existence. Robin Mace, Bev Davies, Cath Firth and many others kept it alive with a new committee taking it on to ensure it continues as it gives so much enjoyment to so many. The committee always needs new helpers – so do join up as it is a great way to meet people and enjoy a drink or two at the meetings. Fundraising is essential but with concerts, quizzes, theatre productions, sponsored walks and raffles the future is secure.
Carnivals date back centuries in one form or another and are essentially public parades when the normal conventions of society are upended with men dressed as women and themes from Dr Who to the Titanic are portrayed on the backs of lorries, trailers and tractors. It’s also a chance for vintage vehicles and even decorated bicycles to take part in the procession. For onlookers it is great entertainment and for those taking part a chance to highlight their social group with a take on anything from pirates to the swinging sixties.
The carnival has a Face Book site and a super website at https://www.blackberrycarnival.com/
How the new generation took up the challenge can be read here: https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/2024/06/03/axbridge-news-how-a-new-generation-of-enthusiasts-saved-axbridge-blackberry-carnival-from-extinction-and-made-it-once-again-a-huge-community-success-story/
A review of last year’s is here: https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/2023/09/26/axbridge-news-the-annual-carnival-proves-a-success-with-fine-weather-large-crowds-and-of-course-barbie-and-ken/
Axbridge News is edited by Harry Mottram and is published for the interest of himself and fellow residents.
Harry is a freelance journalist. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube etc
Email:harryfmottram@gmail.com
Website:www.harrymottram.co.uk
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