APPLICATIONS for a spot in the prestigious Somerset carnival processions are opening soon.

The window for groups to apply for a slot in the 2018 Somerset County Guy Fawkes carnival processions is set to open on Sunday, July 1.

John Owens, secretary and treasurer of SCGFCA, said: “The Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnivals are the best illuminated processions in the world and they annually attract thousands of spectators to the South West.

“It always amazes me in how the standard, ingenuity and professionalism of all entries continue to get better every year, and I am really looking forward to our 2018 processions.”

With the start of the Guy Fawkes carnival season just under 20 weeks away, potential entrants will be enable to take part in the popular carnivals by simply completing an online electronic entry form, which will be accessible from both the official SCGFCA website (https://www.somersetcountycarnivals.com/) and the Bridgwater Carnival website (http://www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk/scgfca-entry-form/).

The standardised entry form enables entrants at a click of a button to apply to take part in the eight affiliated Somerset County Guy Fawkes carnivals – Bridgwater, Burnham on Sea, Weston Super Mare, North Petherton, Midsomer Norton, Shepton Mallet, Wells and Glastonbury.

The closing date for applying to take part in the carnivals is Saturday, September 1, and those who are unable to complete an online entry form can still obtain a paper copy by contacting Dave Croker on 01278 421795 or at dave@bridgwatercarnival.org.uk.