Bridgwater Carnival stands as a historic and cherished event in Somerset, attracting over 100,000 people each year. This grand celebration, set for Saturday, 1 November, is one of the South West’s most magnificent spectacles, blending centuries of culture and community spirit.
The carnival’s origins date back to the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators to blow up the Houses of Parliament led King James I and Parliament to declare 5 November as a day of annual commemoration with bonfires. Bridgwater, with its strong Protestant roots, embraced this tradition with exceptional enthusiasm, turning it into a festive occasion marked by lively bonfire celebrations.
While early records are sparse, a tragic incident in 1716 involving a gunpowder explosion linked to homemade Bridgwater Squibs—unique fireworks synonymous with the carnival—highlights the event’s longstanding connection to firework displays. The first documented references to the carnival itself appear in 1847, confirming it as the oldest event of its kind in the UK.
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Victorian influences significantly shaped the modern carnival’s format. During this era, the community gathered around a massive bonfire on the Cornhill, parading in costumes and masks, and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes and other figures unpopular with locals. The night climaxed with hundreds of squibs lighting up the town center, creating a memorable evening of joy and excitement.
However, the 1880 celebration took a turbulent turn when tensions escalated into a riot after local authorities attempted to extinguish the bonfire. This unrest led to the creation of the first official carnival committee in 1881, introducing an organized annual procession that allowed wider participation and appreciation.
Further cementing the carnival’s place in Bridgwater’s identity, a special firework display was planned in 1883 to inaugurate a new town bridge over the River Parrett, featuring Bridgwater’s famous squibs. To fund this spectacular event, the inaugural carnival concert was held, raising sufficient money and establishing a beloved tradition that continues to support the carnival today.
Now recognized as the country’s longest-running carnival, Bridgwater Carnival remains a vibrant testament to the town’s heritage, community pride, and imaginative spirit. This year’s parade promises to light up the streets once again on 1 November at 6pm, inviting all to witness a dazzling celebration that honors centuries of history.