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150,000 spectators witness Bridgwater's illuminated carnival procession

Around 150,000 spectators watched Bridgwater's illuminated carnival procession featuring elaborate themed carts, rock shows, and television characters. The event concluded with a traditional firework display involving 210 participants.

By The UK Pulse Editorial Team·Source: BBC News··3 min read·How we work
A large carnival cart driving along the street, approaching the camera. It is Oliver Twist themed, with performers dressed in period clothing standing at the front. There are large crowds of spectators on either side of the pavement, standing behind metal barriers.

Around 150,000 people lined the streets of Bridgwater, Somerset, on the first Saturday in November to witness an elaborate carnival procession featuring rock-themed carts, television characters, and circus-inspired designs. According to BBC News, the 1.7-mile route showcased months of preparation by volunteer-run carnival clubs from across the region, with the event culminating in a traditional firework display known as squibbing.

The procession highlighted the dedication of carnival enthusiasts who treat their involvement as a lifestyle commitment. Dan Prosser from the Renegades Carnival Club described the year-round preparations as "more like a lifestyle than just a hobby," noting that his non-carnival friends consider his devotion to the event "absolutely nuts".

Bridgwater's Guy Fawkes Carnival, which traces its roots to 1847, has become one of the nation's most anticipated illuminated parades. The 2026 edition marked a milestone for the town's cultural calendar, with Bridgwater Arts Centre joining the Carnival Day programme for the first time as it celebrated its 80th anniversary.

Two performers dressed as firefighters, in black tunic suits, hanging off the side of a cart while pyrotechnics go off beside them. One is saluting and the other has his arms outstretched, interacting with the crowd.
Each cart is judged on categories including presentation, routine or comic content, lighting, costume and make up, and cart construction

How are the carts judged?

Each cart undergoes evaluation across multiple categories to determine winners and recognise excellence in design and execution. Judges assess presentation, routine or comic content, lighting, costume and makeup, and cart construction quality. According to the official 2026 results, Gremlins Carnival Club's "Forged" placed second and Ramblers Carnival Club's "Around the World in 80 Days" came third, with the top entry titled "Features & Tableau".

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A carnival cart turning on a corner of the street beside a crowd of spectators behind a metal barrier. The cart is lit up with green, purple, orange and yellow lights, with smoke coming off the top.
Volunteer-run carnival clubs across the region spend all year building carts for the parades

What themes featured in the procession?

The carnival showcased diverse and imaginative themes that reflected months of creative planning and construction. Highlights included rock music-themed carts, a recreation of Del Boy's three-wheeler from the television series Only Fools and Horses, and a circus big top design. Each mounted cart featured synchronised lighting, coordinated costumes, choreographed movement, and an accompanying soundtrack tailored to its theme.

A crowd of spectators watching a cart as it goes by. The cart is about 100ft long and lit up with purple, orange and yellow lights.
Thousands of spectators lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the procession

Performers dressed in elaborate costumes matching each theme became central attractions, with their routines and presentations captivating the watching crowds as the illuminated creations weaved through the streets.

A man standing on the side of a cart with his arms in the air, waving to spectators. The cart is flower hop themed, and lit up with orange and yellow lights.
Each mounted cart is designed around a specific theme with synchronized lighting, costumes, movement, and an accompanying soundtrack
Performers dressed as circus clowns standing on the front of a cart, which is lit up with blue, red and white LED lights.
Performers stole the show, dressed in elaborate costumes to match each theme

How did the carnival conclude?

The procession ended with a traditional squibbing display, a distinctive finale unique to Bridgwater's carnival. Approximately 210 participants, including local MP Sir Ashley Fox, took part in the event, which involves lighting large fireworks strapped to solid blocks of wood mounted on poles. The spectacle provided a dramatic conclusion to the evening's entertainment.

Large crowds lining the streets, watching the squibbing event. People walking down the centre of the street are holding up long poles with fireworks flying out of each end. The night sky is full of smoke and sparks.
About 210 "squibbers" took part in the traditional finale event

When is the next carnival?

The next Bridgwater Carnival procession is scheduled for Saturday, 6 November 2027, continuing the tradition of holding the event on the first Saturday in November. Carnival clubs across the region are already beginning preparations for next year's spectacle.

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