The application period for the 2026 Somerset Illuminated Carnivals is now officially open, with the first entries already being confirmed. Clubs can easily apply using a streamlined and standardized entry form that allows participants to register for any of the eight affiliated carnivals: Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Weston-super-Mare, North Petherton, Midsomer Norton, Shepton Mallet, Wells, and Glastonbury.
Traditionally, these festive events kick off on the first Saturday in September, with illuminated carnivals beginning in East Devon at Seaton. This is followed by the Wessex, South Somerset, and Somerset County circuits, culminating in the world-famous Bridgwater Carnival held annually on the first Saturday of November—this year scheduled for Saturday, November 7.
Last year, the Somerset carnivals captured a global audience thanks to the viral success of carnival floats on TikTok. For instance, Globe Carnival Club’s “Jesters Haunt” float garnered tens of millions of views. This growing international attention highlights the creativity and spectacle these illuminated processions bring to the streets.
READ MORE: Somerset Council Faces Over £91 Million Loss on Commercial Property Investments
READ MORE: Charles Leclerc Triumphs at British Grand Prix as Lando Norris Secures Fourth Place
Entries are accepted annually between July 1 and September 1. The previous year saw a thrilling competition with the County Cup shared by Huckyduck Carnival Club and Ramblers Carnival Club after they dominated all seven carnivals. Huckyduck CC, featuring “Scarecrow Partea,” secured the prestigious Starkey Cup for the overall champions, marking their fourth consecutive win. Meanwhile, Ramblers, with their “1912 - All Out” feature, claimed the feature class trophy at all seven events.
The Somerset carnival season traditionally begins with Bridgwater’s procession on the first Saturday in November, followed by Burnham-on-Sea on Monday, Weston-super-Mare on the following Friday, North Petherton the next Saturday, Shepton Mallet midweek, then Wells and finally Glastonbury on the third Saturday in November.
Before the main Somerset County circuit, the illuminated floats tour other locations in South Somerset—such as Wellington, Ilminster, Chard, and Taunton—and the Wessex circuit towns including Mere, Frome, Wincanton, Castle Cary, Trowbridge, and Warminster. East Devon locations in the lineup include Colyton, Axminster, Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Honiton, and Ottery St Mary.
Below are the dates for the 2026 illuminated carnivals across the South West:
East Devon Circuit
- Seaton: Saturday 5 September, 8:00pm
- Colyton: Saturday 12 September, 8:00pm
- Axminster: Saturday 19 September, 8:00pm
- Sidmouth: Saturday 26 September, 7:30pm
- Budleigh Salterton: Saturday 3 October, 7:30pm
- Ottery St. Mary: Friday 16 October, 8:00pm
- Honiton: Saturday 24 October, 7:30pm
Wessex Grand Prix
- Mere: Saturday 19 September, 7:30pm
- Frome: Saturday 26 September, 7:00pm
- Shaftesbury: Saturday 3 October, 7:15pm
- Gillingham: Saturday 10 October, 7:15pm
- Wincanton: Friday 16 October, 7:30pm
- Castle Cary: Saturday 17 October, 7:00pm
- Trowbridge: Saturday 24 October, 7:00pm
- Warminster: Saturday 31 October, 6:45pm
South Somerset Federation
- Wellington: Saturday 26 September, 7:30pm
- Ilminster: Saturday 3 October, 7:15pm
- Chard: Saturday 10 October, 7:30pm
- Taunton: Saturday 17 October, 7:00pm
Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association
- Bridgwater: Saturday 7 November, 6:00pm
- Burnham-on-Sea: Monday 9 November, 7:30pm
- Weston-super-Mare: Friday 13 November, 7:00pm
- North Petherton: Saturday 14 November, 7:00pm
- Shepton Mallet: Wednesday 18 November, 7:30pm
- Wells: Friday 20 November, 7:00pm
- Glastonbury: Saturday 21 November, 6:45pm
Independent Carnivals
- South Petherton: Saturday 12 September, 7:30pm
- Midsomer Norton: Monday 16 November, 7:30pm
These carnivals are renowned as some of Europe’s largest illuminated processions, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from across the UK and worldwide. Besides offering dazzling entertainment, they raise substantial funds for charities and contribute significantly to the local economy.
Whether you’re a participant or a spectator traveling to Somerset, numerous accommodations are available. Offers include charming holiday cottages and historic manor houses nestled in the South West’s picturesque countryside—ideal for enjoying both the festivals and the region’s other attractions.
Get ready to mark your calendars and join in one of the South West’s most spectacular autumn celebrations!