Bridgwater Carnival weekend has started with fire and a massive firework display. It lasted around 20 minutes as thousands of people looked on from the top of St Matthew's Field and many more watched from the streets around.

Children carried lanterns into the field in a parade while fairground rides and stalls were set up in the field creating a special atmosphere in the town ahead of the event. Mild weather and no rain made the evening a success.

Rita Jones of the carnival said she hoped everyone would enjoy themselves and there was a huge round of applause for the parade of lanterns and for the firing of the effigy of 17th century rebel Guy Fawkes.