A LIFE member of a Bridgwater Carnival club has shared his photos of the famous squibbing

Malcolm Lewis, who is part of Vagabonds CC, attended the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony of the sailing events in Weymouth.

He says it was the first occasion that the well-known Bridgwater squib was used outside the town.

Held on July 28 2012, more than 200 carnivalites took part.

Malcolm said: "I took these photos at the Olympic Games on July 28 2012 at the opening ceremony of the sailing events in Weymouth.

"It was the first time that the Bridgwater Squib has been used outside of Bridgwater and 120 squibbers took part.

"I am a life member of Vagabonds Carnival Club and the carnival committee were contacted by the ceremony organisers to see if the squibbing could be arranged.

"It was brilliant weather on the actual day and the atmosphere was fantastic.

"The reaction from the crowd and spectators who had never seen squibbing before was amazing and everybody loved it.

"The squibbers closed the show and there was also trapeze artists and dancers, making the grand finale an experience.

"I knew most of the people who took part in the squibbing display and they were all carnival club committee and life members.

"It was a wonderful day and I thought it was fitting as the Olympics are due to start again soon."

A record breaking 208 people took part in the display in the Dorset town, as the climax built to the end of a three day epic outdoor theatre event, organised by Battle of the Winds.


“The atmosphere was absolutely incredible and we are so proud to have been asked to take part in such a wonderful experience," said Dave Stokes, publicity officer for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival. 


“This was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we would like to thank Battle of the Winds and the people of Weymouth for making us feel so very welcome.”


Bridgwater Squibbing will next take place at the end of the town’s Guy Fawkes carnival on Saturday November 3.