Carnivals are living heritage. The Government must help them survive

Last week I was proud to lead a debate in Parliament calling for stronger Government support and recognition for carnivals across the United Kingdom. For many people these events may appear to be colourful spectacles that brighten our streets once a year. But for communities like mine in Somerset they represent something far deeper; they are part of our history, our economy and our culture.

Carnivals have been celebrated in Somerset for more than four centuries and remain a defining feature of community life. Each autumn and winter illuminated carnival processions travel through towns across the county, culminating in the Somerset County Guy Fawkes Circuit. These events draw hundreds of thousands of spectators and generate significant economic activity for local businesses.

Their impact goes well beyond entertainment. The Somerset carnival season is estimated to contribute more than £40 million annually to the local economy. Hospitality venues, retailers, accommodation providers and many small businesses – who are struggling with the impact of Government policy which has harmed small businesses and this sector particularly – benefit from the influx of visitors. Importantly, these events often take place during the quieter winter months, bringing vital footfall into rural communities when tourism would otherwise slow.

Carnivals also play a major charitable role. Since 1980, street collections linked to the Somerset circuit alone have raised more than £2 million for local causes. Community groups, charities and grassroots initiatives across the county have benefited from this.

Yet perhaps the most remarkable aspect of carnival is the dedication of the volunteers who make it possible. Carnival clubs and organising committees work throughout the year building illuminated carts, planning processions, coordinating safety arrangements and raising funds. Many volunteers devote decades of their lives to sustaining these traditions.

Ahead of the debate, I brought together carnival organisers, club members and other stakeholders at a roundtable meeting. Their passion for carnival was unmistakable, but so too were their concerns about the growing pressures they face.

The costs of organising carnival events have risen sharply in recent years. Materials, fuel, tractor hire, generators, insurance and safety infrastructure have all increased in price. For carnival clubs, the cost of putting a single illuminated cart on the road can now exceed £30,000. Organising committees face similar challenges. One committee in my constituency told me that the cost of staging their carnival had risen from £9,000 in 2022 to more than £13,000 today.

These rising costs are compounded by a sharp decline in traditional street collections. In previous generations, coins and notes gathered along the carnival route provided an important source of income for organisers and charities alike. In an increasingly cashless society those collections have fallen significantly.

Some committees have attempted to introduce digital donations using QR codes, but rural areas often face unreliable mobile signal. On carnival nights many spectators simply cannot access the technology required to contribute in this way. As a result, income that once helped sustain these events is steadily diminishing.

Volunteers are also confronting growing regulatory pressures. Health and safety standards are essential, and organisers recognise the importance of protecting both participants and spectators. However, there must be a balance between maintaining safety and ensuring regulations remain workable for volunteer led events.

Local authorities have an important role to play here. Organisers in Somerset have highlighted the need for consistent Safety Advisory Group meetings that bring together councils, emergency services and carnival committees ahead of each season. These discussions are essential to ensure events remain safe and well coordinated.

Carnivals also offer important educational and social benefits. Clubs provide opportunities for people of all ages to develop practical skills including engineering, electrics, carpentry, costume design and event management. For many young people these experiences provide a valuable pathway into future careers while strengthening community bonds.

The central message of last week’s debate was simple. Carnivals represent living heritage. They are vibrant traditions and important economic drivers, sustained by the dedication of local communities. Government must work more closely with organisers, local authorities and volunteer groups to ensure these events continue to thrive. Practical support and resources, sensible regulation and a planning system that recognises the value of cultural infrastructure would make a real difference.

If we fail to act, we risk allowing one of our country’s most distinctive community traditions to fade from our streets. Carnivals have brought people together for generations. With the right support, they can continue to do so for generations to come.