About our memberships
As a member of Griffens Carnival Club you will help to create and build our carnival cart and stage set, as well as helping to raise funds for the club by taking part in fundraisers. This includes;
As mentioned above part of being a member is to help create a theme idea and bring it to life! Griffens take part in Old Folks Show which is a non profit show that the clubs and front of curtain acts put on for over the Over 60's. This involves everyone having a different theme and using some comedy, sing a-longs, throwbacks, storyline's and much more. This takes part around 22nd March and involves our club to come up with a theme which can include a small dance routine as a bit of fun, so taking the wrong steps aren't judged!
We also take part in Bridgwater Carnival Concerts which is for the first two weeks in October each year, competing against 13 other local carnival clubs. This is what show business is all about! This part of carnival involves making props, scenery and much more! We have a choreographer who helps us to create a dance routine that fits in with the music we choose to go with our theme. Members of the club that participate with stage take part in singing rehearsals once the music is finalised, this is done throughout the year. We also make our own costumes and accessories too with the help of the costume co-ordinator, some members and a costume design team. It all sounds like a lot of work for an 8 minute performance on stage, but with the help of our carnival family and other clubs we make it a show to be remembered. Also to encourage the audience to walk away singing our carnival songs is always a privilege as you know you have made an impact.
As a member of our stage team it doesn't matter if you "can't" sing and dance, just as long as you are willing to learn.
Griffens also take part in the Carnival Procession which is where our carnival cart is shown off to its full potential! Our first carnival on the road is Bridgwater Carnival, this is where we compete against 9 other clubs as local feature. This means that throughout the year we are constantly building on not only our stage set, but also our carnival cart too. Yes that's right, being part of a carnival club doesn't just mean stepping on to a magically made carnival cart! As a club we start to strip the carnival cart from late November after all the carnivals are finished and prepare to get the next theme flowing. All hands on deck all year round! It's a hobby worth taking part in by making something out of nothing that's for sure as when you see the end results of all the hard work it can definitely get emotional.
As a member of our club we will help you to learn and expand your skills and knowledge to help you become part of our building team. Every job big or small matters! Including things like; picking up a paint brush, learning how to use a drill, how to draw and even small jobs like making hot drinks and sweeping up aswell as many more jobs!
If you feel this is something you would like to take part in then head to our Contact Us page for more details.
As a member of Griffens Carnival Club you will help to create and build our carnival cart and stage set, as well as helping to raise funds for the club by taking part in fundraisers. This includes;
- Glastonbury Festival
- Watchet Festival
- Puriton Party In The Park
- Portishead Soapbox Race
- Griffens Bar & Events (including Weddings/Fundraisers)
As mentioned above part of being a member is to help create a theme idea and bring it to life! Griffens take part in Old Folks Show which is a non profit show that the clubs and front of curtain acts put on for over the Over 60's. This involves everyone having a different theme and using some comedy, sing a-longs, throwbacks, storyline's and much more. This takes part around 22nd March and involves our club to come up with a theme which can include a small dance routine as a bit of fun, so taking the wrong steps aren't judged!
We also take part in Bridgwater Carnival Concerts which is for the first two weeks in October each year, competing against 13 other local carnival clubs. This is what show business is all about! This part of carnival involves making props, scenery and much more! We have a choreographer who helps us to create a dance routine that fits in with the music we choose to go with our theme. Members of the club that participate with stage take part in singing rehearsals once the music is finalised, this is done throughout the year. We also make our own costumes and accessories too with the help of the costume co-ordinator, some members and a costume design team. It all sounds like a lot of work for an 8 minute performance on stage, but with the help of our carnival family and other clubs we make it a show to be remembered. Also to encourage the audience to walk away singing our carnival songs is always a privilege as you know you have made an impact.
As a member of our stage team it doesn't matter if you "can't" sing and dance, just as long as you are willing to learn.
Griffens also take part in the Carnival Procession which is where our carnival cart is shown off to its full potential! Our first carnival on the road is Bridgwater Carnival, this is where we compete against 9 other clubs as local feature. This means that throughout the year we are constantly building on not only our stage set, but also our carnival cart too. Yes that's right, being part of a carnival club doesn't just mean stepping on to a magically made carnival cart! As a club we start to strip the carnival cart from late November after all the carnivals are finished and prepare to get the next theme flowing. All hands on deck all year round! It's a hobby worth taking part in by making something out of nothing that's for sure as when you see the end results of all the hard work it can definitely get emotional.
As a member of our club we will help you to learn and expand your skills and knowledge to help you become part of our building team. Every job big or small matters! Including things like; picking up a paint brush, learning how to use a drill, how to draw and even small jobs like making hot drinks and sweeping up aswell as many more jobs!
If you feel this is something you would like to take part in then head to our Contact Us page for more details.
Hear from our members..........
"I joined Griffens in 1984 when I became the landlady of Bathbridge Inn. I am a life member and became Secretary of the club in 1991. I love every aspect of our club and have seen many changes over the years. Most of all i still enjoy seeing all the members come together to perform in concerts and participate in carnival and can honestly say it is a pleasure to belong to this great club."
CHRISTINE- Member since 1984
"I have been in carnival since 1971! I have been a member of Griffens since 1976! It's been so long I can't remember what encouraged me to join. The best thing about being part of Griffens is all the people I have met throughout. I have stood by the club through all good and difficult times and enjoy the buzz of building some brilliant carnival carts and helping out with the great stage shows."
TOM- Member since 1976
TOM- Member since 1976
" Since I was a child , my family have always been apart of Griffens cc. I have learnt to grow my skills including carpentry and painting. Over the years I have made memories that will last a lifetime , I always feel safe around my club and we always stick together no matter what. Being on the cart gives you a thrill that no roller-coaster could ever give you! I am proud of my club and I am thankful that I get to help to create such beautiful and empowering entries with these amazing people. "
KIZZY - Member since 2017