As the carnival season kicks off across the Wessex circuit and East Devon, South Somerset prepares to begin its own celebrations this Saturday night with the traditional Wellington procession. Serving as the curtain-raiser to the carnival circuit, the event leads the way before festivities continue in Ilminster, Chard, and Taunton.
More than 50 entries are scheduled to participate in the Wellington procession, and organisers are encouraging local residents and visitors to come out and cheer the participants. The event will commence at 7.30pm, with the Windy Wheelers Motorcycle Club setting off slightly earlier at approximately 7.25pm.
The procession route starts from Rockwell Green and travels along Hilly Head and Mantle Street, passing through Wellington town centre before concluding at Priory Junction. To ensure the safety of both participants and spectators, organisers request that all vehicles be removed from the procession route by 5.00pm on the day of the event.
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Corresponding road closures will be implemented along the procession path to facilitate the smooth running of the event.
Below is the schedule for the illuminated carnivals taking place across the South West this autumn:
East Devon Circuit:
- 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:
- 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
- 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:
- Midsomer Norton: Monday 16 November, 7:30pm
Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly and support these vibrant local traditions that celebrate community spirit throughout the autumn months.