ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

This statement of accessibility does not contain our opinions as to our suitability for those with disabilities but aims to describe the facilities and services that we offer to all our visitors.  We are committed to taking positive action in the spirit of the Equality Act 2010 with regard to disability and to developing a culture of inclusion, support and awareness within the carnival community.

The decision as to whether the carnival environment is suitable for adults with disabilities comes down to the individual adult and for children with disabilities comes down to the parents / carers.

 

BACKGROUND

The definition of Carnival refers to a festive season or celebration that typically involves parades, public street parties, music, dancing, costumes, and other forms of entertainment. Chard Carnival is part of the South Somerset Federation of Carnivals.  It is an annual event held on the second Saturday in October each year.  Chard Carnival originated in 1897 and the carnival has been held every year since except during the world wars and more recently the Covid Pandemic. It has grown over the years from simple horse drawn carts advertising local businesses to the spectacular event embracing lights, music and movement we see today. The carnival’s main purpose is to entertain the crowds who come to watch it every year whilst also raising a great deal of money for local charities and causes. 

 

ACCESS TO THE EVENT

Access is not too difficult as the carnival is a wholly outdoor event, the only building managed by the carnival committee on the day being the Guildhall. Although the decision on where to stand along the route comes down to the individual person or family; we know many people with disabilities choose to stand along Crowshute Link, as it is a wider space than in other places on the route. This way people with disabilities can have the space they need and be slightly further away from the lights and music, whilst still being able to enjoy the full carnival atmosphere.

 

ASSISTANCE DURING THE CARNIVAL

Carnival Marshals are positioned along the whole procession route to provide assistance and information to visitors, as well as maintaining a safe environment. In addition to this we have radio marshals on the procession route who can summon further assistance.  They are in contact with silver control who will contact emergency services if required.

 GETTING TO THE CARNIVAL

If arriving by car there are 3 car parks in the town which contain disabled bays: Boden Street, Bath Street and Crowshute. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide parking alongside the route itself due to the size of the crowds the carnival attracts.

 

TOILET FACILITIES

There are numerous toilet facilities along the route are suitable for the disabled, these can be found at The Guildhall, Fore Street, Sainsburys Carpark, Crowshute Link as well as various businesses allowing public access to toilet facilities.

 

ENTERING THE CARNIVAL

Chard Carnival prides itself on its inclusive attitude to carnival.  Carnival club’s welcome members with all abilities and disabilities, entries are accepted from anyone meeting class criteria, our carnival procession can be entered online from our website chardcarnival.co.uk  with a closing date in early October each year.