SOMERSET NEWS: Stay safe in Somerset After Dark

THE darkening evenings are bringing fun and festive entertainments to Somerset this autumn - in the form of Halloween, Bonfire Night, the Bridgwater Fair and, of course, the Carnivals.

Somerset is famous for its Carnivals and the season kicked off last weekend (Saturday, September 24, 2016), and runs through until the end of November.

Several of the events are widely regarded as the largest illuminated Carnival processions in the world with Bridgwater, Weston-Super-Mare and Glastonbury attracting crowds of up to150,000.

Chief Inspector Mark Edgington, Local Policing Commander for East Somerset, said: “Carnivals are a fantastic Somerset tradition and they are wonderful events.

“We want everyone to enjoy them and the variety of firework displays and Hallowe’en festivities on offer for the next few months.

“The message from us and our partners is simple – enjoy yourselves, but do so safely, legally and responsibly.”
Officers from across Somerset will be out and about to ensure all the residents and tourists attending the annual carnivals have a fantastic time.

But anyone seeing it as an excuse to get drunk and spoil the fun for others will see their night ended early by the officers, PCSOs and Special Constables patrolling the various events.

C/Insp Edgington continued: “We are working with our partners across the district councils, Trading Standards and Avon and Somerset Fire and Rescue to launch Somerset after Dark.

“The campaign will support our operational activities during the Bridgwater Fair, Halloween, the carnivals and Bonfire night and will include crime prevention, personal safety and travel tips to make sure everyone can enjoy the fun.

“The Carnivals have now started and whichever event you are attending over the coming months, there will most likely be heavy traffic in places, so please bear this in mind - aim to arrive at least an hour before either the Carnival or fireworks are due to start.

“I would encourage everyone to plan their journey and where you are going to park as people travelling to some of the carnivals and larger fire-works displays can expect some road closures and diversions. These have been planned and implemented by the carnival organisers and can be viewed on their websites.”

The spooky festivities of Hallowe’en and the fun and fireworks of Bonfire Night also fall in the middle of the season.

C/Insp Edgington added: “We would appreciate the public’s cooperation by being mindful of other people, particularly Trick or Treating at Hallowe’en, which some people can find intimidating.

“Over the next month we will be working with local schools, shops and licensees in the run up to Halloween to deliver some key messaging and implement measures to hopefully minimise any anti-social behaviour. Have fun but please be sensible, especially in regards to fireworks and alcohol. Remember the basic safety tips so you have a fun night and we can have a quiet night.”

Before you head out to enjoy the party, be it spooky Trick or Treating, fabulous fireworks or to shake your maracas with the Carnival floats, take a look at the police website and get some top tips for personal safety www.avonandsomerset.police.uk and read the Somerset After Dark feature.

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