INNOVATIVE new technology will be trialled at Bridgwater Carnival this year to enhance the viewing experience.

State-of-the-art technology, called iBeacons, will be used by some of the carnival entries in a pilot run.

iBeacons, created by technology giant Apple, are lightweight low powered devices which use Bluetooth technology to trigger information based on how close a user is to an iBeacon.

Apple smartphone users can download a free app called Shufdy from the iTunes store which will recognise when it is close to an iBeacon fixed to one of the entries and show the phone user some information about the cart.

The technology is already in use at some of Bristol’s flagship tourist attractions including Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and St Mary Redcliffe Church.

During the carnival procession on Saturday, November 1, those who have downloaded the Shufdy app will be able to find out more about some of the entries, including the entry name and title, the number of light bulbs used, the generator size, number of people involved with the entry and more.