Bridgwater prepares for annual November carnival spectacle

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 06:20 · Archive

Bridgwater's illuminated carnival, featuring towering lit carts and elaborate performances, takes place in November.

Every November, thousands of people line the streets of Bridgwater to watch towering illuminated carts, dazzling costumes and elaborate performances roll through the town in a blaze of colour, music and light. The carnival is the culmination of months of dedication by local carnival clubs, whose members give up countless hours to create the entries that have made the event famous far beyond Somerset.

The roots of Somerset's carnival tradition stretch back to 1605, when celebrations followed the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot. Bridgwater's modern organised carnival began in 1881, following disorder during the previous year's celebrations. The introduction of electric lights to a Bridgwater entry in 1903 helped set the course for the illuminated spectacle recognised today. Over the decades, the carnival has evolved into a display of engineering, artistry and performance, with carts often enormous and featuring intricate moving parts, elaborate scenery and thousands of lights.

Behind every entry are teams of volunteers working throughout the year, designing, building, painting, sewing and rehearsing in club workshops. For many participants, carnival is a family tradition passed down through generations. Carnival clubs raise money for good causes, support local organisations and help bring communities together.

How it is being reported

• Bridgwater to become stage for 'extroadinary spectacle' this monthEvery November, Bridgwater becomes the stage for one of the most extraordinary spectacles in the country.Bridgwater Mercury · 1 Nov, 05:00
• Bridgwater to become stage for 'extroadinary spectacle' this monthEvery November, Bridgwater becomes the stage for one of the most extraordinary spectacles in the country.Somerset County Gazette · 1 Nov, 05:00

In this story: Bridgwater · Somerset · Gunpowder Plot

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