UK's oldest carnival recycles material from Hinkley Point C

Some of the materials leaving Hinkley Point C in Somerset

The oldest carnival in the UK is making "tremendous savings" with material donations from the Hinkley Point C project.

Staff at the nuclear plant construction site in Somerset is handing over metal and wood it no longer needs to Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival.

The material is being reused and recycled by clubs for their 2024 entries.

Andrew Cockcroft, Hinkley Point C’s head of stakeholder engagement and social impact, said: "This partnership helps minimise waste and also saves carnival clubs money at a time when budgets are really being stretched."

Squibbing is unique to Bridgwater Carnival

Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, which was established in 1881, is renowned for squibbing, whereby a long row of squibbers line the high street and simultaneously light fireworks.

The clubs took the first load from the partnership arrangement in June.

The materials are transported 11 miles from the new nuclear site to Bridgwater.

Mr Cockcroft said the Hinkley Point C team is 'delighted' they were able to bring some benefit to the clubs

Chris Hocking, Project Officer for Bridgwater Carnival, said: "The cost of wood has skyrocketed so this will help save clubs an awful lot of money."

He added: "HPC deliver the materials to the main construction site on Bristol Road and then the team there assess what is available for the clubs."

A number of deliveries are planned over the coming months.