'Unacceptable' behaviour at Somerset carnivals sparks warnings

Somerset is famous for its illuminated carnivals at this time of year. It is a 400-year-old tradition for the county’s main towns and villages to light up the streets with brightly lit and extraordinary floats or ‘carts’ as they are known in this part of the world.

Last week the Shepton Mallet carnival was as spectacular as ever with throngs of people on the streets as usual to see the visual displays lighting up the November darkness. But the event last Wednesday night (November 13) was marred with unprecedented vandalism and aggressive motorists. So much so the organisers of the carnival took to social media to complain about the behaviour in the run up and during the carnival.

In Glastonbury there were similar problems with reports of marshals and volunteers being driven at and hit. Avon & Somerset police confirmed there was trouble at both carnivals.

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A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the issues raised by the carnival organisers and we urge the public to respect road closures and the instructions of event staff to ensure the safety of all attendees.”

For safety reasons there are always road closures in Shepton Mallet for the carnival, but this year vandalism really interfered with the organisation. Road closure signs on Cannards Grave Road were repeatedly tampered with in the run up to the carnival, causing volunteers who run the event much anxiety and concern. Cones and barriers were moved or damaged on the hour every hour.

In a statement shared on social media, Shepton organisers said: “We really can’t believe what has been happening. Since putting the road closure in place on Cannards Grave Road, we have had numerous signs, barriers, and cones damaged or moved.

“Vehicles are driving in both directions, the road is not passable without using the pavement. This is why it is closed.”

The road was closed for the safety of pedestrians and people on carnival carts, but some drivers ignored the signs creating ‘potentially dangerous’ situations, according to carnival organisers.

The cones and signs were badly damaged, and volunteers appealed to members of the public to stop the vandalism as they do not have the resources to replace them.

They are now appealing to drivers to pay heed to the signs in the future, and to co-operate with carnival organisers who want to bring this historic Somerset event safely to the people of Shepton Mallet.

Down the road at Glastonbury carnival, which took place on Saturday, November 16, there were similar problems, with drivers being the main culprits.

Hazel DeGregorio, chairperson of Glastonbury carnival, thanked supporters and volunteers but strongly criticised the behaviour of certain motorists.

“What seriously spoils it for us as volunteers is the nature of some vehicle drivers,” she said in a Facebook post. “Drivers parked illegally in no-parking zones, blocking emergency routes.

“A no pARKING zone – legally applied clearway zone – clearly means there is a reason for it. If you needed medical assistance and we could not get support to you, thank these lovely ignorant drivers. “Do not just dump your car because you are late or even early – it is not acceptable.”

She added: “The worst part was the very aggressive drivers at road closures. Three volunteer marshals got driven at and hit. “Do you honestly think this is acceptable behaviour? “We do not,” she said.