Bridgwater has an illuminated carnival parade like no other

Bridgwater’s annual carnival celebrates the failed exploits of Guy Fawkes, in its own unique way; with a large illuminated parade, a host of masqueraders, thousands of lights and a good dose of ‘squibbing’.

This year’s Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival will take place on Saturday 2nd November in the Somerset town.

On carnival day, the build up to the grand procession starts in the town centre from 10.30am, with entertainment suitable for the whole family. Early visitors will be entertained by a variety of acts, including the Magnolia Jazz Band, the Balloon Science Show, Bristol Batala, Bridgwater Rock Choir and Dick Danger.

The main carnival procession will begin at 6pm, led by the carnival committee’s official Guy Fawkes cart. This will be followed by more than 60 carnival floats, and these are not your usual type of carnival floats. The trucks involved can be up to 100 foot long and feature themed moving displays of light and sound.

Along with the floats, marching bands, majorettes and masqueraders will join in the procession. Be prepared to spend a good few hours watching this colourful entertainment as it takes a 2.5 mile route around Bridgwater.

The entertainment will be brought to an equally unique and fitting finale when more than 150 ‘squibbers’ will line the town’s High Street, immediately after the procession, for their traditional display. The ‘squibbing’ is a type of street firework display which is unique to Bridgwater, creating a long trail of fire and lighting up the town.

Official charity collectors will be on the streets during the day and night, collecting money for the carnival and other good causes. If you are attending the event, please pop some coins in the bucket, it will honestly be worth it.

For those who have never seen the carnival before, check out some of the wonderful trucks in all their glory below…

And to see what the squibbing (or street fireworks) is all about…

When: 2nd November 2019, from 6pm
Where: Bridgwater, Somerset
£: Free but donations welcome

More info: www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk