The excitement is building for Bridgwater’s most anticipated event - the town’s Guy Fawkes Carnival. This year’s carnival, taking place on Saturday, November 2, promises to captivate spectators with a spectacular procession featuring over 45 illuminated carts.
Dating back to 1881, Bridgwater’s Guy Fawkes Carnival is the oldest carnival in the UK and renowned as the largest illuminated parade in Europe. The festivities will kick off in the town centre at 10.30am with an array of street entertainment scheduled until 5.30pm.
A multitude of spectators, including a father and daughter traveling 4,635 miles from Colorado, are expected to line the streets for the grand parade commencing at 6pm. The procession will culminate in a simultaneous squibbing (fireworks) display on Bridgwater’s High Street, featuring around 200 squibbers.
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President of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, Dave Croker, lauded the dedication of club members and organizers, emphasizing the volunteer-led nature of the event. The carnival has consistently supported local charities, raising over £65,000 in the past two years, with this year’s fundraising efforts targeting 29 charitable organizations.
For those unable to attend in person, the carnival will be live-streamed, offering viewers the opportunity to experience the festivities from anywhere in the world. Moreover, facilities for wheelchair users and convenient park-and-ride services have been arranged to accommodate diverse spectator needs.
The day’s entertainment schedule includes performances by various artists at different locations across the town, ensuring a day filled with music, dance, and joy.
To find out more about this year’s carnival, visit www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk