Blackpool Carnival Community Interest Company

It has been a very difficult year for all after the Covid epidemic and this has been no different for this Social Enterprise and this is entirely understandable after the long period of isolation imposed upon all. However, the level of involvement by the local community has increased through this financial year which is very encouraging which has enabled the increase of services being provided.This CIC is very much more than the organisation of the local annual Carnival Event, as our core value is to get as much of the local community, working, sharing and caring for each other for the betterment of all and with that end in mind, various community services have been organised within the Carnival building and facility, such as a children book swap which clearly encourages reading but also instils trust to return the books and personal responsibility to look after other people’s possessions. Also working with the local Council, operating as a collection point for the local food bank which has now escalated in food being available free of charge for those in need. This has led to the beginning of a one stop shop so whatever issues locals have, there is advice and directions on site to be able to help each person to get to where they want to be in their life.With this very much in mind, various workshops are being set up encouraging all to get involved, whether these are art & craft related, music, dress and costume making, etc so as creating a conveyor belt of advice and interests to benefit the health and well-being of the local community, culminating in their involvement of any event organised, but especially in the annual Carnival event attracting thousands of people.It is obvious to everybody of the devastating effect on all, that the Covid epidemic has had, but the devastation was especially noticeable in the entertainment industry with very well long-established groups, be they music, dance or theatrical being no longer in existence, resulting in our data base of performers being severely reduced. By liaising and working with the local community centres, the local authorities, this Social Enterprise is playing it’s part in re-establishing these groups and creating the platform for all locals to showcase their particular skills and talent throughout the year.The annual event which was over a three day period was well received, bigger and better than any in recent times and a very encouraging stepping stone for the already agreed 9 day Centenary event in 2023.However, financially it has been a very difficult year, especially in regard to obtaining funding which although a priority as far as the Directors are concerned, has not been successful at all. The national economic situation has reflected in the year’s performance with the income decreasing but the expenditure increasing resulting in a trading loss. Looking forward to the next 12 months, the escalation of the community services, the workshops and the health and well-being of the local community will continue at pace, whilst the focus of the Directors will be the organisation of the Centenary event, with the financial situation very much at the forefront of all that is developing.