Prepare for the much-anticipated illuminated carnival processions across the South West this Autumn as the dates have been confirmed. The East Devon, South Somerset, Wessex, and Somerset County circuits have all set their schedules for the breathtaking carnival parades that are expected to captivate thousands of spectators.
Traditionally, the carnivals kick off on the first Saturday in September with the illuminated procession in East Devon starting in Seaton. The Wessex, South Somerset, and Somerset County circuits follow suit, featuring the renowned Bridgwater Carnival taking place on Saturday, November 1.
The Somerset circuit commences with Bridgwater on the first Saturday in November, followed by Burnham-on-Sea on the subsequent Monday, Weston-super-Mare on the Friday, North Petherton on the second Saturday in November, Shepton Mallet on the following Wednesday, Wells on the Friday, culminating with Glastonbury on the third Saturday in November.
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Prior to these main events, the carts will journey to various locations in South Somerset such as Wellington, Ilminster, Chard, and Taunton, as well as to Mere, Frome, Wincanton, Castle Cary, Trowbridge, and Warminster in Wessex, and South Petherton. Additionally, locations in East Devon including Seaton, Colyton, Axminster, Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Honiton, and Ottery St. Mary will also witness the stunning procession.
The illuminated procession has garnered a reputation as one of the largest in Europe, drawing tens of thousands of people to Somerset from across the country and beyond. Notably, the event raises substantial funds for charities and good causes while significantly contributing to the local economy.
Below are the confirmed dates for all the illuminated Carnivals across the South West this Autumn:
East Devon Circuit
Seaton - Saturday 6 September, 8:00pm
Colyton - Saturday 13 September, 8:00pm
Axminster - Saturday 20 September, 8:00pm
Sidmouth - Saturday 27 September, 7:30pm
Budleigh Salterton - Saturday 4 October, 7:30pm
Honiton - Saturday 25 October, 7:30pm
Ottery St. Mary - Saturday 1 November, 7:30pm
Wessex Grand Prix
Mere - Saturday 13 September, 7.30pm
Frome - Saturday 20 September, 7.00pm
Shaftesbury - Saturday 27 September, 7.15pm
Gillingham - Saturday 4 October, 7.15pm
Wincanton - Friday 10 October, 7.30pm
Castle Cary - Saturday 11 October, 7.00pm
Trowbridge - Saturday 18 October, 7.00pm
Warminster - Saturday 25 October, 6.45pm
South Somerset Federation
Wellington - Saturday 27 September, 7.30pm
Ilminster - Saturday 4 October, 7.15pm
Chard - Saturday 11 October, 7.30pm
Taunton - Saturday 18 October, 7.00pm
Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association
Bridgwater - Saturday 1 November, 6.00pm
Burnham-on-Sea - Monday 3 November, 7.30pm
Weston-super-Mare - Friday 7 November, 7.00pm
North Petherton - Saturday 8 November, 7.00pm
Shepton Mallet - Wednesday 12 November, 7.30pm
Wells - Friday 14 November, 7.00pm
Glastonbury - Saturday 15 November, 6.45pm
Independent Carnivals
South Petherton - Saturday 13 September, 7.30pm
Midsomer Norton - Monday 10 November, 7.30pm
Get ready to be part of the extraordinary celebrations at the 2025 Somerset carnival dates.