CARNIVAL fever is spreading like wildfire around Bridgwater and beyond with just days to go until this year’s main event.

For the carnival clubs who are working around the clock to finish their spectacular entries, to the carnival organisers who are finalising the arrangements for the town’s biggest night of the year, the preparations are nearing completion and the anticipation is building.

Bridgwater Carnival’s origins lie in the failed exploits of Guy Fawkes, and in this, the 413th anniversary of these Gunpowder Plot celebrations, Bridgwater Carnival 2018 is set to be the biggest and best one yet.

In recent times traditional community carnival events throughout the country have disappointingly not taken place due to lack of support and resources, and the increasing amount of legislation and insurance premiums.

Thankfully Bridgwater Carnival has managed to manoeuvre itself through these difficult times, and this is testament to the town’s dedicated carnivalites and the invaluable support received from Arts Council England and many other local businesses and organisations.

Malcolm Cattle, president of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, said; “This is my final year as president, and after spending over 56 years in carnival, the signs are indicating that the 2018 Bridgwater Carnival is going to be the best one yet.

“So Saturday, November 3 is the night the carnival comes to town, and I couldn’t be more excited.

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

“It’s an experience where seeing truly is believing.”

Roger Smith, manager at Angel Place Shopping Centre, said: “We are once again thrilled to be a sponsor of the Bridgwater Carnival.

“Each year, the spectacle is more impressive than the last and we’re always blown away by the fantastic showcase of craftsmanship and creativity.”

“It’s the biggest highlight in the town’s events calendar and we’re looking forward to welcoming people from near and far to enjoy the entertainment.

“We cannot wait to see what innovations we’ll be treated to this time round.”

On the carnival day itself the build up the grand procession starts in the town centre at 10am and carnival revellers will scarcely have time to pause for breath with the amount of entertainment on offer.

Just before the procession itself starts, award winning Arcadia Spectacular will be showcasing their unique creation The Bug along the High Street.

The main procession will start at 7pm with approximately 100 entries including 44 illuminated carts which are set to enthral the tens of thousands of spectators expected to line the streets.