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Carnivals — [Carolyn Harris in the Chair]
12 March 2026
Lead MP
Sarah Dyke
Glastonbury and Somerton
Lib Dem
Responding Minister
Stephanie Peacock
Tags
EconomyCulture, Media & SportBusiness & Trade
Word Count: 8773
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Sarah Dyke raised concerns about carnivals — [carolyn harris in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should outline plans to safeguard the viability of Somerset's illuminated carnivals, considering the financial challenges they face and the impact on the local economy. This includes providing support for local cultural events and ensuring that regulations are fair and developed in collaboration with carnival clubs and committees.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Carnivals in Somerset have been celebrated for over 400 years and are a vital part of the community's cultural and economic life. However, the tradition faces challenges due to rising costs, including materials, fuel, insurance, and health and safety compliance, which now exceed £30,000 for a single illuminated cart. Additionally, the income from street collections has declined due to an increasingly cashless society, and many small businesses are unable to afford sponsorship. Volunteers are also facing financial pressure to cover marshalling and other costs, with some committees struggling to secure adequate physical space for their activities. Health and safety regulations, while important, sometimes limit creativity and flexibility in cart design.
Ashley Fox
Con
Bridgwater
Ashley Fox highlighted the historical significance of the Guy Fawkes carnival in Bridgwater, tracing its origins back to 1605 and noting its development into the oldest continuous carnival in the UK since 1847. He expressed concern over rising costs such as insurance, regulations, fuel, and waste disposal, and the lack of VAT relief, making it increasingly difficult for volunteers to sustain the tradition. He asked the Minister to confirm the government's recognition of the value of carnivals and to commit to working cross-party to ensure the tradition's continuation.
Dan Aldridge
Lab
Weston-super-Mare
Dan Aldridge, the co-sponsor of the debate, was called to speak but his contribution is not detailed in the provided transcript. Dan Aldridge praised the importance of Weston-super-Mare carnival to his constituency, highlighting its historical significance, community impact, and economic benefits. He noted that despite the carnival's size and importance, it receives no external funding and volunteers face rising costs. Aldridge called for greater recognition and support for such events to unlock the full creative and economic potential of towns like Weston.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Described the long history of carnivals in Luton South and South Bedfordshire, noting events dating back to the 1400s and the significance of the Luton carnival since 1976. Emphasised the cultural diversity and community unity represented by the carnival, which is the biggest one-day carnival in the UK. Highlighted the upcoming 50th annual Luton International Carnival and the importance of the event in celebrating the town's heritage and unity.
Tessa Munt
Lib Dem
Wells and Mendip Hills
Tessa Munt highlighted the importance of Somerset carnivals, noting their cultural significance and the substantial volunteer effort, particularly by young people. She mentioned the financial strain on the community due to lack of savings and the absence of wi-fi in parts of Shepton Mallet and Wells, making it difficult for individuals to contribute.
Victoria Collins
Lib Dem
Harpenden and Berkhamsted
Victoria Collins praised the importance of carnivals, highlighting their role in multicultural celebration, volunteer dedication, and community support. She mentioned specific carnivals in Harpenden and Berkhamsted, including the Tring Summer Carnival and BerkoFest, and noted the Somerset carnival tradition, which draws around 150,000 people annually. Collins raised concerns about the potential loss of carnival traditions due to the older generation and asked what more can be done through arts funding, heritage programmes, and community support to pass these traditions to the next generation.
Government Response
Stephanie Peacock
Government Response
The Minister congratulated the hon. Members for Glastonbury and Somerton and Weston-super-Mare on their advocacy for carnivals. She acknowledged the challenges faced by carnivals, including costs and fundraising, and the importance of safety advisory groups. She mentioned the reduction in cash usage since 2017 and the support for the UK Centre for Carnival Arts in Luton. The Minister detailed the Government's £1.5 billion package, providing a 5% funding uplift to key national arts organisations. She highlighted the Government's commitment to carnival arts through Arts Council England and the UNESCO convention for intangible cultural heritage. She also discussed the importance of carnivals in the visitor economy and the Government's ambition to welcome 50 million international visitors annually by 2030.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.