Community spirit is alive and well - The Carnival isn't over yet

I had the pleasure of attending the kick-off meeting looking to revive the Chippenham Carnival this week (in my capacity as a resident). I tend to veer quite often towards the sentiment that our town lacks a sense of spirit and self-pride, and don't get me wrong, I still feel we have a lot of work to do to get this right — but Thursday evening was inspiring.

It was fascinating to hear stories from residents about the carnival of old — of coins being tossed or lined up for a mile, of a week packed with events around it all. But also to hear of a failed revival effort in the last few years; an event that seems to want to challenge Doctor Who for number of reinventions.

What was most telling — and most inspiring — for me from this evening in Rivo Lounge was people's introduction messages: why were they giving up an evening to be here? Many made reference to wanting to see the best for Chippenham, to wanting to see exciting things happening in the town centre, a belief that we are capable of putting on great events.

Someone even made the remark, "we're one degree from being 'it'" — something I could totally resonate with, and I joked could be a motto.

Now, whether another attempt at bringing back a carnival will be a success or not, I couldn't tell you at this embryonic stage. But if I were to judge based on the energy and enthusiasm around that pub table, then I’d have every confidence.

It shows there are 'ordinary' residents in our town prepared to show up and say, let’s do something — although by definition of being there, they are in fact now extraordinary.

I would encourage anyone reading this to get in touch if you are interested in helping deliver a carnival for the town — better still if you would be an exhibitor in it (and this can include dance, music, as well as a float).

And even if this doesn’t work, then I hope to see more people having a go, time and time again — because if we don’t, who will...

Image credit: Wiltshire Herald and Gazette