The Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is in full swing this week, and the town’s youngest residents are unleashing their creativity ahead of the annual parade. Supported by funding from Arts Council England, the carnival includes exciting outreach projects tailored for local schools. One standout initiative this year is the creation of the Carnival Mask Trail, featuring 25 large fibreglass masks distributed to schools and nurseries early in the Autumn term.
With this year’s theme “Festivities,” children have enthusiastically designed and decorated these impressive masks, which are mounted on stands for prominent display across various shops and businesses in the town centre. This interactive trail encourages families and visitors to explore Bridgwater and discover the colorful artwork created by the local youth.
Launched on Saturday 25 October, the Mask Trail invites all children to find all 25 masks throughout the town. While most masks are visible from the pavement, some require entry into participating premises to locate them all. Entry forms are available at the Carnival Centre on High Street, participating schools, and online via the Bridgwater Carnival website.
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The trail runs until Friday 31 October. Completed entry forms must be returned to the Carnival Centre for a chance to win a gift voucher, awarded through a random draw. Additionally, all masks will be judged to select first, second, and third prize winners for their exceptional creativity.
Sarah Humphrey, Mask Trail organiser, expressed gratitude to the shops and businesses hosting the masks despite limited window space: “We truly appreciate their support in sharing the joy of our carnival throughout the community. This outreach project brings a vibrant and festive spirit that connects us all.”
Participating schools and nurseries include Bridgwater College, BCA Primary, Buttercups Nursery, Butterflies Nursery, Brent Knoll Primary School, Cannington Primary School, Cannington Pre-School, Enmore Primary School, Hamp Academy, Little Crickets Nursery, Martock Primary School, Northgate Primary School, North Petherton Primary School, Otterhampton Primary School, Pawlett Primary School, Polden Bower School, Puriton Primary School, Spaxton Primary School, St John and St Francis Primary School, St Joseph’s Primary, St Mary’s Primary School, Somerset Bridge Primary School, Westover Green Primary School, and Willowdown Primary School.
This creative celebration is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy the colorful talents of Bridgwater’s next generation.