THE organisers of Bridgwater Carnival are promising that the weekend’s celebrations will start with a bang this year with a massive firework display.

In the build-up to the display children from St Mary’s Primary and Elmwood Schools will also be getting in on the fun with a special lantern parade.

Leading the parade will be a coloured willow effigy of the carnival squibber, made by Somerset Willow Company, which will be ceremoniously lit at the start of the fireworks display by president of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Rita Jones.

Bridgwater Mayor Cllr Steve Austen said: “The carnival celebrations show Bridgwater at its very best, and the town council are happy to sponsor the fireworks display once again.

“Carnival attracts many people into the town and brings much business to the economy, and it is an event we are all extremely proud of.”

Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival spokesman Dave Stokes (right) said: “It is terrific news that Bridgwater Town Council is once again sponsoring this year’s fireworks display, and it will get the town in the mood for what is to come the following night.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bridgwater Town Council and Sedgemoor District Council for their continued generosity.

If it wasn’t for the help we receive from local authorities, organisations and companies, our carnival would not be as popular as it is.”

The fireworks show will spark to life on Friday, October 31, at 7.30pm.