CARNIVAL organisers have apologised after an LGBT+ forum claimed its ‘50 Shades of Gay’ entry was “deemed inappropriate for a family audience”.

The North Somerset LGBT+ Forum applied to enter Highbridge & Burnham-on-Sea Carnival but did not take part in the procession on Monday, November 7.

The forum claimed organisers expressed concerns about the entry's title and rules related to self-promotion and sponsorship.

A statement from the forum said the carnival later “backtracked” and invited it to take part as a trade entry or charity, if it changed its name. 

A carnival spokesperson accepted there was “some poor communication from ourselves to the North Somerset LGBT+ Forum” and apologised.

The North Somerset LGBT+ Forum took part in Bridgwater and Weston-super-Mare's carnivals on November 5 and November 11.

Glastonbury Carnival has offered the forum the opportunity to attend its procession on Saturday, November 19.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News: Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge Carnival was held on Monday, November 7.Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge Carnival was held on Monday, November 7. (Image: Steve Richardson)

A spokesperson for the forum said: “In September, the forum entered three local carnivals in Somerset: Bridgwater, Burnham & Highbridge, and Weston-super-Mare with the entry title ’50 Shades of Gay’ (a Celebration of Pride).

“In early October, we received a letter from BOS Carnival Committee stating we would not be accepted as the title was deemed inappropriate for a family audience, and they were concerned how their audience would react. 

“They also felt we had broken several county carnival rules related to self-promotion and sponsorship.

“After liaising with both Bridgwater and Weston Carnival, they had assured us that no rules had been broken.

“Burnham later backtracked and invited us to enter as a trade entry, or to enter as a charity but to change our entry name. They also offered us collection duties.

“We politely declined these offers as we are a charity, not a trade company, and we do not believe the words we chose for our title to be offensive, and therefore will not be changing them.”

Two days after the carnival took place, its committee issued a statement on social media.

The statement said: “Highbridge & Burnham-on-Sea Carnival Committee would like to thank everyone who came out to support the carnival on what turned out to be a wet and windy night. 

“The collection raised £10,408.69. We are very pleased with this figure, as this was our first big carnival since 2019.

“However, we are saddened that this has been somewhat overshadowed by some poor communication from ourselves to the North Somerset LGBT+ Forum.

“We would like to apologies for any distress and upset this has caused.

“We have been in discussion with a representative from the charity as to how we can now work together to move forward.”