Chard Carnival Royalty - Terms and Conditions of entry

Chard Carnival Royalty – Parent Agreement & Guidelines

1. Introduction

We appreciate your interest in entering your child for Chard Carnival Royalty. Becoming part of the Chard Carnival Royalty is a fantastic opportunity for children to represent our community at various events in our Carnival year. To ensure a smooth and successful experience, we ask that all parents/guardians adhere to the following rules and procedures.

2. Eligibility Requirements

  • Children must be of school age, and there is no upper limit.
  • Parents/guardians must be fully committed to supporting their child’s participation throughout the process.
  • A minimum fundraising target of £300 per child entered must be met before your child(ren) is confirmed as Royalty and proceed to the next stage which is the clothes shopping and crowning.
  • Attend the initial meet and greet at a time suitable for all, pre-answer a few ice-breaker questions and participate in a mini photoshoot.

We are here to help, and if you are struggling to reach the target, please do not hesitate to reach out.

3. Fundraising Commitment

Each Royalty family should raise at least £300 through donations and fundraising efforts. The Chard Carnival Committee will provide:

  • An online donation link to share with friends and family, which goes direct to our bank account, but counts to your individual totals.
  • Collection buckets for in-person fundraising efforts.
  • Ongoing support with fundraising ideas.
  • Raffle tickets which will count towards the individual target.
  • The fundraising ends at the end of July, and all money must be in by 1st August, please. You can bank transfer at any time or meet one of the Royalty Co-ordinators, to hand over any cash before the cut-off date.

ALL FUNDRAISING EVENTS AND SOCIAL MEDIA POSTERS MUST BE PRE-APPROVED BY THE CARNIVAL COMMITTEE IN ADVANCE AND MUST CONFORM WITH LOCAL LAWS.

Running Bingo’s

Bingo’s are a great way to raise funds, however there are many rules and regulations surrounding this.


Please check out the below link before running one – to keep you legal

How to run bingo legally

4. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

  • Parents/guardians must accompany their child at all times during events, parades, and any official engagements.
  • Parents must join a Chard Carnival sub-committee to ensure coverage under carnival insurance policies.
  • Families are responsible for transporting their children to and from events.
  • Act as road crew for the Royalty Float at the four carnivals - only one per child.

5. Carnival’s Contribution

The Chard Carnival Royalty Co-ordinators will provide:

  • Dresses or suits for Royalty members (shoes not included).
  • Sashes, Crowns and tiaras, for all Royalty members.
  • Entry into four South Somerset carnivals on a dedicated Royalty float – plus the Chard Carnival Children’s Carnival.
  • Participation in additional events throughout the year, including activities during Carnival Week.* (events listed at bottom of page)
  • A cup to the Royalty who raises the most
  • A ceremony in which we crown all the Royalty in mid-August.
  • To engage and support you with our many events of which you can find at bottom of page.
  • A collecting bucket

All buckets and tins must be sealed (with cable ties or stickers) and clearly labelled with the name of the Chard Carnival . Contrary to popular belief, shaking or rattling your bucket/tin is perfectly legal, if perhaps a little annoying!

 

6. Event Participation & Conduct

  • Royalty members and their families must attend all required events unless exceptional circumstances arise.
  • Children and parents must conduct themselves respectfully and appropriately while representing Chard Carnival.
  • Any inappropriate behaviour, lack of participation, or failure to meet commitments may result in removal from the Royalty group.

7. Facebook Messenger Group

To help keep everyone informed, we will add all parents/guardians to a Facebook Messenger group. This group is for event details only, such as meeting points, timings, and important updates. It is also a space to encourage and support one another positively.

  • No negativity, arguments, or falling out will be tolerated in the group.
  • Any concerns should be raised privately with the Carnival Committee.

8. Feedback & Complaints

We welcome feedback, including positive criticism, to help us improve the Chard Carnival Royalty experience.

  • If you have any concerns or complaints, we ask that they be raised privately with the co-ordinators.
  • We will always aim to resolve issues informally and fairly, ensuring a positive experience for all involved.

9. Photo & Media Permission

By signing this agreement, I permit Chard Carnival to take photographs and videos of my child while they are participating in official carnival events. These images may be used for promotional purposes on social media, the Chard Carnival website, printed materials, and the official carnival programme. I understand these images will only be used positively and appropriately to celebrate and promote the event.

10. Agreement & Signatures

By signing below, I confirm that I understand and agree to the above rules and responsibilities required for my child’s participation as Chard Carnival Royalty.

 

Carnival Royalty Timeline – Dates are approx. and will be confirmed.

 

Meet and Greet – (Mid to end of February)

Fundraising until July 31st

Clothes shopping between July and August – assuming you have met target

The crowning – Second/Third Sunday in August

Open the Street fayre – 2nd Saturday in September

Last Saturday in September – Wellington

First Saturday in October – Ilminster

Chard Carnival week, with events most nights

Second Saturday in October – Children’s and main Carnival + other duties

Third Saturday in October – Taunton

Last weekend in October – Federation Presentation

Parade and lay wreath on Remembrance Sunday

Switch on Christmas lights

February following year – Attend our Presentation,