THE SOUTH Somerset Federation of Carnivals faces the same question every year – how is it going to pay for the next event?

This year, the chairmen from Chard, Ilminster, Taunton and Wellington carnivals are implementing a new initiative to support the costs of the illuminated processions each year.

One of the main problems is that money is lost every year to independent sellers travelling to the South West to sell merchandise such as LED toys and balloons, according to Chard Carnival chairman Jason Baker.

He said: “Thousands of pounds are lost to the carnival purse by people purchasing carnival merchandise, like LED toys and balloons, from pedlars, who travel from as far afield as the Midlands, and descend on our towns to sell these items and exploit the atmosphere we create.”

To combat this problem, the federation has decided to collectively purchase its own merchandise to sell during carnival nights.

Kym Toms, Ilminster Carnival, said: “Most people will be surprised to learn that not a single penny of this independently sold merchandise comes back into carnival and ultimately, our local community groups and charities.

“The South Somerset Federation of Carnivals has joined together to purchase and sell various quality carnival merchandise at a cheaper price.”

Concern grows for the carnival each year as any money raised doesn’t cover the costs.

Merchandise will be available to purchase from stalls at each town throughout carnival day. There will also be a City Plumbing van with authorised sellers wearing blue hi-vis tabards, selling merchandise along the carnival route before and during the processions.

The federation believes that selling this merchandise will not only solve its funding problem, but will also allow it to donate to charities and organisations in each carnival’s area.