Five-hour clean up launched after Burnham-on-Sea Carnival

The Somerset Guy Fawkes Carnival circuit rolled into the seaside towns on November 6, two days after the first procession in Bridgwater.

Now, Somerset Council has revealed some of the details about its work to tidy the streets after a night of entertainment.

A spokesperson said: “The carnival season has yet again kicked off in Somerset.

“The annual parades through our Somerset towns and the city (Wells) entertains thousands of residents throughout November.

“The council’s largest contribution is the mammoth clear-up that happens overnight to restore the towns to pristine condition by 7am the mornings following carnival night.

“In Bridgwater, work started at 3am and involved three HGV mechanical sweepers and 18 members of staff.

“They collected 11 tonnes of waste left by the 150,000 spectators and took eight hours to clean the 2.5 mile route.

“The Burnham-on-Sea clean up starts around 4am and takes about five hours.

“In total, a team of 40 staff cleanse the streets of Shepton Mallet, Wells and Glastonbury and collects 20 tonnes of waste.”

They added: “When you are making your way home, spare a thought for the staff who are just starting work on the clean-up. Please help them by taking your litter home.”

Spectators raised a total of £8,652.17 for local good causes – down from last year's £10,408 amid the cost-of-living crisis and wet weather.

Despite that, it was a good night for the Burnham-based Hillview Juvenile Carnival Club, which scooped the best juvenile feature prize.

Fresh from their success at Bridgwater Carnival, Ramblers CC were named overall winners of the 2023 carnival with its ‘Trawlermen’ entry.

As their carts approached Burnham's jetty, the clubs paid their respects to Peter Jeffery, 68, who went missing at sea after entering the water to help a woman and dog.

Mr Jeffery, who was swept out to sea on October 29, has not been found despite an extensive search involving the Coastguard, RNLI and police.