A small but committed team of volunteers want to relaunch the Mere Carnival after last year's event was cancelled.
The carnival, which has been running for nearly 100 years, has long been a mainstay of the Mere event calendar. However, last year's event didn't run because of a lack of volunteers.
After last year's carnival was cancelled, a new group has come together, committed to revitalising the event, but they are calling on the local community to support it and help cover the administrative costs of staging it.
A spokesperson for the organising committee said, "Community events are very important, and Carnival is a traditional community event which brings together so many people not only on the actual Carnival day, but leading up to the event if you are taking part."
It is estimated that around £3000 is required to make the event viable, with costs including licences and other administrative expenses.
Plans for this year's carnival are well underway, and a date is set for 19th September 2026. The procession is planned to start at 7.00 p.m. on White Road, go through the town to the other side, and finish near the turning to Gillingham.
Organisers added, "We are presently advertising for entries in the Procession, and also applications for pitches for stalls in The Square. There will be all sorts of stalls and catering in The Square from 5.00 p.m. onwards."
The Procession is open to all sorts of entries, including Decorated Trade, Tableaux, Humorous/Comic, Junior Float, Hand truck/trailer, Walking singles and groups, as well as Majorettes.
There are prizes to be won for the Best Costume, Best Music, Best Routine, Best Walking, Best Youth, as well as an overall Champion. Anyone can take part, and Carnival Clubs raise money year-round for their floats.
Traditionally, there has been a Carnival Prince and Princess, and this year, organisers are also looking for a Super Granny. The Crowning Ceremony will take place on 25th July at Mere Social Club, and the Royals will lead the Procession.
For more information, head to the Mere Carnival website - https://merecarnival.co.uk/
The committee has set up a CrowdFunding page and says that all donations are welcome - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-mere-carnival
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