The excitement is building for Bridgwater’s biggest annual event. The world-renowned Guy Fawkes Carnival returns today with a day packed full of entertainment culminating in Europe’s largest illuminated parade.
Festivities kick off at 10:30am in the town centre, featuring a vibrant lineup of street performances running until 5:30pm. At 6pm, the spectacular procession of illuminated carts will light up Bridgwater’s streets, drawing thousands of spectators.
Following the parade, Bridgwater’s High Street will come alive with a dazzling squibbing fireworks display, featuring around 200 squibbers performing simultaneously.
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For those who cannot attend in person, the full carnival procession will be streamed live online starting at 7pm and accessible at https://live.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk/.
Traffic and parking arrangements are in place to ensure smooth access. Roads leading into Bridgwater will begin closing from 4pm. Buses of Somerset will run a convenient park and ride service from M5 junctions 23 and 24 between 2pm and 11:30pm. Prices are £17 per car and £25 per minibus (covers all passengers).
Official car parks including ASDA, Wickes, Morrisons, B&M, West Quay, Polden Bower School, St Matthew’s Field, and Bridgwater & Taunton College are available at £10 per car and £20 for minibuses.
Please note the Taunton Road junction will be closed to all traffic from 4pm until approximately 8:30pm on carnival night.
Entertainment Highlights:
High Street Performance Area
- 10:30 — Fox King Dance Academy
- 11:00 — Farmyard Circus
- 11:30 — Bridgwater Rock Choir
- 12:15 — Julia McDonald Dance Company
- 12:40 — The Saint Melonians
- 13:15 — Bridgwater Sea Cadets
- 13:45 — Farmyard Circus
- 14:15 — Felicity Footloose
- 14:50 — The Saint Melonians
- 15:30 — Street Heat Samba Band
- 16:00 — Felicity Footloose
- 16:50 — The Saint Melonians
St Mary’s Church
- 11:15 — Somerset Songbirds
- 12:00 — Wells City Band
- 14:15 — Bridgwater Rock Choir
Cornhill Stage
- 10:30 — BTC Performing Arts
- 11:05 — Westcan
- 11:50 — Ashley Ross Quinn
- 12:35 — Shalana Serafina
- 13:05 — Jordan Hill
- 14:00 — The Vixens
- 14:30 — Chrystal Bliss
- 15:00 — Two Tone
- 15:45 — Ashley Ross Quinn
- 16:45 — Chrystal Bliss
Angel Place Shopping Centre
- 10:30 — MADE Community
- 11:30 — Youth Theatre
- 13:00 — Krazy Kev & Dinky
- 14:00 — YMTC
- 14:25 — Prof James Gordon’s Punch & Judy
- 15:00 — Jimmy Jay
- 15:45 — Krazy Kev & Dinky
- 16:30 — Prof James Gordon’s Punch & Judy
- 17:05 — Jimmy Jay
Town Centre Attractions:
- Marvellous Magical Theatre
- Higher Beings (Stilt Walkers)
- Children’s Fairground Rides from 5:40pm
- Sounds of the Streets
For full details and updates, visit www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk.