Malcolm's Story

Generations of Bridgwater carnivalites have seen their specialist skills developed and accredited thanks to ABC Awards’ Certificate in Carnival Skills.

Bridgwater has a rich carnival history dating back 400 years and each year the town enjoys an annual parade with around 70 floats taking part, attracting crowds of more than 150,000.

The ABC Certificate in Carnival Skills recognisies the host of skills carnival club members bring to the annual spectacular and the diverse talent that makes it possible.

Gremlins Carnival Club, based in Bridgwater, is one of several local clubs with a strong family tradition. Generations of families caught by the carnival bug share in the carnival spirit working year round to fund raise and create the final float. Malcolm Bell is a life member of Gremlins Club and an ABC assessor. Three generations of Malcolm’s family have belonged to the club, of which he has been a member for 30-years. 

The clubs 140 members have achieved a huge 280 ABC Awards between them, and Malcolm is keen to see new members take up the challenge. From junior members aged 15-years, to the eldest member club president Ed Thorne, 79, their skills have been formally recognised by the ABC Awards.

To achieve a full certificate candidates complete a mandatory Carnival in Context unit, which includes the history of carnival and funding information, and three other units covering a range of skills from make-up and costumes to lighting and sound skills.

Last year Gremlins Carnival Club won a number of awards including the Championship Cup with Disney themed ‘Mickey’s Parade.’ Club members meet every Monday night at the club’s HQ at Bridgewater Sports and Social Club to plot and plan for the coming year. They also work hard to produce an annual stage show including all the local clubs and hold a variety of fundraising events throughout the year.

Malcolm said: “Carnival is a huge learning process and great fun. It’s a terrific buzz to see the finished float. We do it for each other. Everybody wants to contribute his or her skills so the show is a good one. It’s not just about winning – it’s the achievement and fellowship. Everyone’s skills and imagination are used to their full potential and we’re always on the look out for new members.”

Julia Masters Office Manager at ABC Awards in Taunton said: ”Carnival is really popular in the South West and we are delighted that those who work so hard, many of which are volunteers, are being recognised with these awards.”

Malcolm Bell