The vibrant South Somerset carnival season kicks off this Saturday night with the much-anticipated procession in Wellington, traditionally the opening event of the carnival circuit. Following Wellington, the procession will continue to Ilminster, Chard, and Taunton, drawing crowds across the region.
Organisers invite locals and visitors alike to line the streets and cheer on the colourful entries as they make their way through the town. To ensure everyone’s safety during the festivities, several road closures will be in effect on Saturday, September 27, starting at 7:30 pm.
Here’s what you need to know about the road closures in Wellington:
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- Roads will be closed along the procession route from 7:30 pm to allow the carnival to pass safely through the town.
Organisers encourage festival-goers to support the event by donating generously. Official collectors will be easy to spot, wearing designated armbands and carrying sealed green collecting buckets. The exception is the Fire Service, who, by tradition, collect in large black buckets.
If you plan on purchasing food from one of the town’s catering units, please ensure they display an Authorised Catering Sign. Only these traders are permitted to operate during the carnival.
Finally, organisers ask everyone to enjoy themselves responsibly—savour the food and drink, soak up the entertainment, and help keep the town tidy by taking your rubbish home or returning plastic glasses to the pubs they came from.
Carnival enthusiasts can also look forward to a full lineup of illuminated events across the South West this autumn. Here are the key dates by circuit:
East Devon Circuit
- Sidmouth: Saturday, 27 September, 7:30 pm
- Budleigh Salterton: Saturday, 4 October, 7:30 pm
- Honiton: Saturday, 25 October, 7:30 pm
- Ottery St. Mary: Saturday, 1 November, 7:30 pm
Wessex Grand Prix
- Shaftesbury: Saturday, 27 September, 7:15 pm
- Gillingham: Saturday, 4 October, 7:15 pm
- Wincanton: Friday, 10 October, 7:30 pm
- Castle Cary: Saturday, 11 October, 7:00 pm
- Trowbridge: Saturday, 18 October, 7:00 pm
- Warminster: Saturday, 25 October, 6:45 pm
South Somerset Federation
- Wellington: Saturday, 27 September, 7:30 pm
- Ilminster: Saturday, 4 October, 7:15 pm
- Chard: Saturday, 11 October, 7:30 pm
- Taunton: Saturday, 18 October, 7:00 pm
Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association
- Bridgwater: Saturday, 1 November, 6:00 pm
- Burnham-on-Sea: Monday, 3 November, 7:30 pm
- Weston-super-Mare: Friday, 7 November, 7:00 pm
- North Petherton: Saturday, 8 November, 7:00 pm
- Shepton Mallet: Wednesday, 12 November, 7:30 pm
- Wells: Friday, 14 November, 7:00 pm
- Glastonbury: Saturday, 15 November, 6:45 pm
Independent Carnivals
- Midsomer Norton: Monday, 10 November, 7:30 pm
Prepare for a festive season filled with dazzling lights, entertaining processions, and community spirit. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this cherished South Somerset tradition.