New blood needed to run Portishead Carnival after organisers step down after 20 years

Organisers say the 2020 carnival will be a real Portishead party

New blood is needed to ensure the future of Portishead Carnival – after news its organisers of nearly 20 years are to step down.

Event organisers Jemma Cooper and Wendy Watkins have announced that the 2020 carnival will be their last.

The duo, who both grew up and went to school in Portishead, took over the carnival in 2002 after it was in danger of dying out forever.

With the support of the community it quickly went from strength to strength and became one of North Somerset's biggest events - with a huge procession through the High Street and attractions on the town's show field.

In 2005 and 2012 the pair brought the world famous Red Arrows to the town, kicking off carnival weekend with special flying displays.

The pair say that although they are sad to be stepping down, they intend to go out on a high – and make this year's event the biggest and best the town has ever seen.

They are appealing for those who have taken part in the procession in past years and previous carnival queens, kings and princesses to put their crowns back on and take part in the parade through the town from the Lake Grounds to the flower show field.

Portishead businesses and pubs are also being encouraged to put on entertainment and attractions throughout the weekend.

Jemma and Wendy said: "It's been a very hard decision but after nearly 20 years the time is right for us to step aside.

“You can't keep doing the same thing forever or life stagnates.

“It's extremely emotional and there will be lots of tears, but we know it's the right thing to do.

"The carnival is more than 100-years-old and is one of Portishead's best loved traditions with a very proud past.

“We have absolutely loved running it and it's been an incredible privilege but it's never been ours to keep.

“We have just been its guardians for a while.

“Now it's time for new blood to come forward to ensure the carnival's success for future generations, just as we have. It's been an amazing experience and we've been incredibly lucky that the community got behind us from day one.

"It's really the town that makes carnival what it is.

“We are confident whoever takes it over will enjoy the same support as us and the event will be as successful into the future.

“And with former floats and walking groups in the procession, along with past royals, the duo are confident this year will see the biggest parade the town has ever seen.”

The pair added that as a celebration of community they will only have local bands and acts on the show field this year.

 “When we first took over one of the first things we did was get lots previous carnival queens of all ages and generations to lead the procession on a massive lorry. It was amazing and looked incredible,” they said.

“This year we are inviting back all former Kings, Queens and Princesses no matter what age or year, to lead the procession again.

“Former float and entries and walking groups are also invited back.

“It's a great way to show the event's history and another chance for everyone to experience the excitement of the procession.

“There's nothing like walking down the High Street seeing thousands of people lining the streets.

"We also hope all Portishad's pubs, bars and restaurants will get into the carnival spirit but putting on entertainment and attractions throughout the weekend.

“We want to go out with a real bang and have a massive Portishead party.

“It's the end of an era and we really want to celebrate everything the community has achieved over the last 20 years."

This year’s carnival is on June 20.

A drive to attract new blood to organise next year’s event will be launched this summer.

To take part in the procession please call Wendy on 07816 050181

Former Carnival Kings, Queens or Princess wanting to get involved should text Debs Charman on 07855 944764