Bridgwater Carnival is the oldest carnival in England. It’s also the largest illuminated procession in the world. It’s an absolute spectacle.
As many as 150,000 people attend each year, enjoying the extravagant masquerades and creative carts that parade the streets. It’s an experience that will last long in the memory!
This is Sedgemoor fm’s guide, sharing what you can expect.
This article gives you:
- Bridgwater Carnival history
- The date of the Bridgwater Carnival
- Who attends the Carnival
- When is Bridgwater Carnival Day and what Happens
- The Squibbing Tradition
- Travel to Bridgwater Carnival
- How local radio supports the Carnival
- Economic value of the carnival to the area
- Other Somerset Carnivals
- Other UK Carnivals
The History of Bridgwater Carnival
The carnival dates as far back as Guy Fawkes failed gunpower plot in 1605. After the failure, King James I decreed that the events of 5th November 1605 should be commemorated with lighting of bonfires. This tradition took off in Bridgwater quicker than elsewhere, quite probably because the town was staunchly protestant.
The official date of its origin is unclear, but the first note of the event was in 1860’s and it was officially recognised in 1881.
Early on, Bridgwater Carnival took place around a huge bonfire on the Cornhill, in the centre of the town. Effigies of Guy Fawkes, the Pope and anyone else who had upset the Bridgwater towns people were added to the flames. Early in the evening Squibs were lit and the party went on until the early hours.
Costumes and masks were worn to disguise people’s identities, which allowed the locals to get up to all kinds of mischief.
The change of Carnivals forever
It was the celebration of 1880 that changed the carnivals landscape forever. That year celebrations got out of hand. The fire brigade was called and trouble ensued. Following the evening Frank Squire from the Bridgwater Mercury suggested a controlling committee was formed. The idea was adopted in 1881.
In 1883 a new bridge crossing the River Parrett was due to be opened and it was agree that the opening should take place on Carnival day. That year fireworks, Roman Candles, Sky Rockets and Bridgwater Squibs were lit on the bridge.
The Committee knew the display to commemorate the bridge opening would be expensive, so the Carnival Committee came up with an idea to create a fundraising concert. The concerts are still run today, about a month before the carnival itself, providing a vital income source for the carnival.
For more information on the history of the Bridgwater Carnival check out Bridgwatercarnival.org.uk
Who attends the Carnival
In 2022 Somerset Life reported that over 100,000 people attended the carnival (other sources put the number at 150,000). In 2022 organisers had to announce, via Sedgemoor fm and social media, that the roads were closed and no more people would be permitted into the area.
In 2022 there were approximately 1500 grandstand seats and 171 corporate hospitality packages. These sold out within weeks.
More than 40 large vehicles of up to 100 feet long take part in the procession each year and more than 200 people take part in the annual squibbing.
When is Bridgwater Carnival and what happens?
The Bridgwater Carnival is held on the first Saturday of November each year.
On Carnival day entertainment starts as early as 10.30am in the town centre. A variety of acts begin to create a party atmosphere. This will include multiple music performances, and high-street performers.
These activities conclude around 6:15pm in preparation for the main carnival procession. If you are visiting the carnival it is recommended that you use this time to find a good place to view the carnival.
During the day, roads in the town centre will be closed off for the town centre activities. Later in the day other routes around the town will close too, as Carnival carts arrive early to line up along Parkway in preparation for the big event.
The size of the route
The precession route is over 1.7 miles long and takes approximately 2 hours to pass. It starts at the top of Parkway, along Bath Road and usually starts at 7pm. It varies slightly depending on the weather, especially if there is very bad rain.
The carts, bands and masquerades (actors/ performers in the carnival procession) all make their way across the circuit, weaving through the town all the way to Northgate.
Historically the precession always begins with the Guy Fawkes cart, followed by groups of masquerades. Usually, 40+ carts, will follow, with acts, masquerade groups and solo acts.
There are also collectors in the procession who collect donations from the crowds. The collections are used to fund the carnival and local charities – so if you can donate it can go a long way!
The Squibbing Tradition
Whatever you do, don’t miss the Squibbing!
As the carnival procession draws to a close you may be tempted to head home, but we’d recommend you don’t. Instead head to the High Street for the Squibbing.
Squibbing is a tradition specific to Bridgwater.
Squibbing itself refers to the act of setting specialised squibs, attached to a device known as a Cosh, which is then set alight and held above the Squibber’s head.
Whilst it may sound dangerous, many safety considerations have been made over the years to align the carnival with modern safety standards. These include barriers to prevent people from getting too close to the Squibbing.
The Squibbing is the last event of the carnival, with the exception being, the results of the cups. These are presented around midnight to the carts and masquerades. According to Bridgwatercarnival.org.uk there are 37 cups awarded on carnival night by 76 judges.
Travel to Bridgwater Carnival
Due to the popularity of the Bridgwater Carnival it is highly recommended that you use trains or coaches. Not only does this keep down the Carbon footprint of the event, it also means you will not need to worry about the extremely limited parking spaces or road closures around the town.
If for any reason you do need to travel by car you should try to arrive before 4PM on the day of the carnival. After this time roads begin to close making travel by car impossible. Also, be aware that roads around the town centre, and one channel of Parkway, will close early due to them being used to setup the festivities.
To make parking easier you may also want to consider using the Carnivals Park and Ride schemes.
How Sedgemoor fm supports the Bridgwater Carnival
The local radio station is Sedgemoor fm. Each week, on a Wednesday evening from 7pm-9pm, the station dedicates two hours of airtime to the theme of Carnival. While many listeners are local, thousands tune in from around the world for this weekly carnival treat, hosted by Bill Bevan.
The show broadcasts on 104.2fm. An app is also available from the Google Play store. You can also tune in via Smart Speaker, or listen live on line via the website.
Show host Bill Bevan says, “Our carnivals have produced such an eclectic mix of music over the decades. It’s a genre in itself!
“The Carnival Show has now been on the air for nine years, with me in the driving seat since 2018. This year we have doubled the length of the show to two hours, which has opened up more scope for features and guests.
Whilst the carnival season seems to come and go in a flash, the community interaction we get for the Carnival Show is fantastic all year. Both the public and the clubs continue to make the show the success it is.”
Sedgemoor fm have a loyal, local listener base that enjoys the uplifting feel the station brings. The station also attracts local advertisers, many of who offer services that Carnival visitors will find interesting.
On the day of the carnival Sedgemoor fm are heavily involved.
Dave Englefield, Sedgemoor fm’s Managing Director says, “I am always genuinely amazed at how far people travel to our carnival. It’s great for making people aware of the town and keeping Bridgwater on the map. And it’s the only place on earth where you can see squibbing”.
Value of the carnival to the area
The carnival costs a lot to run every year. To help raise funds carnival concerts are run over 12 nights throughout October. These concerts have become a mainstay of the carnival.
Unlike the main carnival procession, these are ticketed concerts with the purpose to raise money for the carnival. Information about the concerts can be found on Bridgwater Carnival’s website shop.
According to Bridgwatercarnival.org.uk the Bridgwater Carnival is worth an estimated £4,000,000 to the local economy, with approximately half of this coming during the weekend of the carnival.
Diogo Rodrigues, manager of the Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce, says,“The Carnival is the biggest and greatest community spirited event which runs through the veins of our Town. It’s a crowd drawer bringing in thousands of Carnival fans to Bridgwater and estimated to boost to the local economy by £4 million annually.”
Other Somerset Carnivals
The Bridgwater Carnival is the first carnival each year during carnival season. Other Somerset carnivals follow on in Burnham on Sea, Weston Super Mare, North Petherton, Midsommer Norton, Shepton Mallet, Wells and Glastonbury. Exact dates for the Carnivals can be found on the Somerset County Carnivals website.
Carnival Clubs exist in neighbouring counties too including Wiltshire & Dorset, South Somerset.
If you are travelling to the Sedgemoor area and you want to see what else you can do, check out these articles:
Other UK Carnivals
Whilst the Bridgwater Carnival offers the oldest carnival in England, and the biggest illuminated carnival in the world, there are other UK carnivals. Notting Hill is perhaps the best known. It started in 1966, so is still a relative baby in the carnival world compared to the Bridgwater Carnival. This carnival is usually held in August and is Caribbean in style.
For more information on the route, the Bridgwater Carnival website has an amazing route map that even includes estimated times the carnival will reach each area.
Images produced by Justin Krause: https://impact20twenty.com/bridgwater-guy-fawkes-carnival-2022