Carnival to try and make event more accessible

Every autumn, processions of illuminated carts pass through Chard

Organisers of a popular carnival have agreed to discuss how to make the event more accessible with two parents of children with additional needs.

Every autumn, processions of illuminated carts pass through Chard as part of the South Somerset Carnival Circuit. The events are often noisy and bright, meaning those with sensory processing disorders can find the experience overwhelming.

Belinda and Livvy, from Chard, are calling for their town to have a designated section of the carnival route where carts and vehicles pass more quietly.

Jason Baker, chair of Chard Carnival Committee, said he wanted to make the event accessible for everyone.

Belinda said small changes would make a big difference to people with additional needs.

Belinda wants the carnival to be a "safe space" for children with additional needs

"My son has a physical disability, which is a muscle disease, so he's limited in what he can do physically, but he also has a sensory processing disorder, so startling sounds, unpredictable noises and high-pitched noises can be really distressing for him.

"I just don't want our family to be divided or miss out on anything when, really, just a few adjustments would make it so much more inclusive for everybody," she said.

Belinda said other members of the community would also benefit from the pair's plans, including young children, those with anxiety and people with hearing aids.

Livvy wants her son to be able to enjoy the carnival

Mr Baker said the carnival committee was unable to make last minute changes to this year's event, which happened on Saturday, as the event took months to plan.

However, some of the trucks at the carnival agreed to go through a designated spot on the route quietly, meaning Belinda was able to take her son to the event.

"We really enjoyed it, my son was apprehensive but when the trucks came through he loved it," she said.

Belinda and Livvy want the carnival to have a dedicated section of its route which all carts move through quietly and with dimmer lights.

Mr Baker said Chard's carnival committee was "keen to be as inclusive as possible".

He added: "We need plenty of time to plan it and ensure that everyone's on board."