NORTH Petherton Carnival will return on Saturday “in its full glory”, with committee members excited to bring the procession back to the town's streets.

The event forms part of the Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival circuit, which includes Bridgwater, Burnham, Weston-super-Mare, Wells and Glastonbury.

Impressive carts designed and built by local carnival clubs will be showcased on the A38 through Taunton Road, Fore Street and Bridgwater Road.

North Petherton Carnival will start at 7pm on Saturday (November 12), and it can take around two hours for the procession to pass each point on the route.

Here is everything you need to know about the carnival:

Carnival route

The procession will start near North Petherton Rugby Club and follow the A38 through Taunton Road, Fore Street and Bridgwater Road. 

It will end near the Huntworth Roundabout and Junction 24 venue (Sedgemoor Auction Centre).

The route includes a rest area for the performers between Old Road and Park Lane, just before North Petherton Bowling Club.

Road closures 

A contraflow system will be in place on the A38 from around 8pm on Friday evening between Thurloxton Fruit Farm and the Shearston turning. 

This will provide a space for the carts to be stored overnight.

The carnival also has permission to shut Moon Lane (except for residents' access) to safely store some of the smaller creations.

From 5.30pm on Saturday, the A38 will be closed between Walford Cross and Huntworth Roundabout. 

It will remain shut until it is safe to re-open the route, which is usually by 11pm.

Car parking

A carnival spokesperson said: “There will be car parks clearly signposted at both ends of the town. The cost for the official car parks is £5 per car.

“You will be able to access the car park at Junction 24 up until 7pm. The car park at the rugby club will close when the roads close at 5.30pm.

“The car parks will open once it is deemed safe to do so, so please be patient.

“Payment will be either cash or card. You can also make an additional donation when paying for the car park to help keep carnival alive.

“As with all other charities, Covid has affected our finances.

“Our costs have rocketed, as in all other areas, so just an extra £1 will still be very helpful towards achieving a good collection.”

The carnival's website explains the situation for motorhome drivers. 

It says: “Motorhome parking is available in any of the car parks around Junction 24 of the M5/Huntworth Roadabout.

“We have been informed by the North Petherton Bowling Club that they are able to offer only limited motorhome parking in their car park this year due to ongoing works, and that there will be no access to the clubhouse.”

What are the local carnival clubs?

Three local carnival clubs will be taking part in this year's procession: Pentathlon CC, Toppers CC and Westonzoyland CC.

Pentathlon will bring their ‘Travelling Funfair’ cart to the town as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations. 

Toppers have entered this year with their ‘Thundervike’ cart, while Westonzoyland will showcase their ‘Heave Away’ entry.

Is it free to attend?

There is no charge to watch the carnival but attendees are asked to buy a programme or donate to designated collectors during the procession. 

A spokesperson said: “We will have officially appointed programme sellers and clearly identifiable collectors along the route.

“Please give generously to our wonderful team. The money raised will help to keep carnival alive and to support the charities that are out helping the committee.”