IT'S now a matter of days until the annual Bridgwater Carnival returns to town on Saturday, November 4.

Preparations are now in full swing for carnival clubs working on their spectacular entries, and carnival organisers finalising the arrangements for Bridgwater's biggest night of the year.

This year's carnival will mark 418 years since Guy Fawkes devised the infamous Gunpowder Plot.

The 2023 celebrations are testament to the town’s dedicated carnivalites and the invaluable support received from Arts Council England, the procession main sponsor, EDF’s Hinkley Point C, and many other local businesses and organisations.

On the day of the carnival next weekend, entertainment will begin from 10:30am, as the build up to the grand procession will feature a full programme of street entertainers across the town centre for the keenest carnivalites of all.

At 6pm, the much-anticipated procession will begin, consisting of nearly 100 entries. 

Almost 50 illuminated carnival carts as well as several captivating walking entries will light up the streets and enthral the tens of thousands of people expected to be in attendance.

Last but not least, the entertainment will be brought to a close with a traditional squibbing display when over 200 squibbers will line the High Street immediately after the procession.

Dave Stokes, Publicity Director of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, said: “Saturday, November 4 is the night the carnival comes to town, and we couldn’t be more excited.

"This is a night when everyone can forget all of their troubles for a few hours, marvel at the incredible sights, and get carried away by the infectious atmosphere.

"I am sure everyone will have a great night at the carnival in Bridgwater, the home of carnival.”

Gill Slocombe, Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee’s Somerset Council Representative, and councillor for Bridgwater Town Council, added: “We are all very proud of Bridgwater Carnival and its esteemed history.

"It brings so many benefits to the local area and the economy, not just during the carnival weekend but all of the way through the year.

“Carnival allows people to learn new skills and competences, and these very talented carnivalites have been working tirelessly over the past 12 months to bring the greatest show on earth to the town on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

"I am really looking forward to it, and as we look to the future we must do all we can to ensure the town’s carnival tradition continues to survive, thrive and prosper.”

Donations

Official charity collectors will be on the streets on the day and night, and carnival organisers are hoping to beat last year’s collection total of £30,100 - the third highest amount ever collected at Bridgwater Carnival.

As well as the official Bridgwater Carnival charity, the authorised collectors, who will be identifiable through unique identity badges, will be raising money for 34 other local charities and organisations.

There are three ways in which spectators can donate:

  • CASH - Look for the official collection buckets and collecting carts.
  • TEXT - Text BGFC to 70085 to donate £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10.
  • ONLINE - Visit Bridgwater Carnival’s official website – www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk. and make a donation by clicking the DONATE button.

Parking

All of the main roads leading into the town will start closing from 4pm.

On the day, Buses of Somerset will be offering a Park and Ride service from junctions 23 and 24 of the M5.

The cost will be £16 per car and £25 per mini bus (fare covers all passengers), and the service will operate between 2pm and 11:30pm.

Official car parking is available at the following locations: ASDA, Bridgwater Hospital, Blake (Northgate), Wickes, Morrisons, B&M, West Quay, Polden Bower School, St Matthew’s Field, and Bridgwater and Taunton College.

Parking in these car parks cost £10 per car and £20 for minibuses, and more information is available Bridgwater Carnival’s official website - www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk.

Wheelchair viewing area

There is also an official viewing area on the procession route for wheelchair users.

Spaces are limited, and to book a reservation or for further information, please email disabled.viewing@bridgwatercarnival.org.uk.

Live stream

For those unable to make the event, the Bridgwater Carnival will be live streamed online from 6pm. 

The cameras are positioned on Cornhill, with the procession expected to come into shot at around 7pm.

Online viewers are encouraged to make a donation to the Bridgwater Carnival Charity.

To find out more about the live stream service and to watch it, visit https://live.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk/.