Somerset Carnivals

It's Mardi Gras time in Somerset!

Between the end of September and mid November, the streets of many Somerset towns and villages are an exciting blaze of colour as the Somerset Illuminated Carnivals take place.

These processions of illuminated lorries (called 'carts' or 'floats') are part of an ancient tradition which stretches back as far as the 1600s when many parts of Somerset commemorated the Gunpowder Plot. Grand fireworks displays and street entertainment add to the sense of fiesta and fun.

The floats can be huge, over 50 feet long and covered in hundreds of lightbulbs. Drawing awe and wonder from the crowds, these floats are the results of months of work by the Carnival Clubs. 

Some of the carnivals are larger than others but even in the smaller ones, the 'walking entries' provide entertainment and often much hilarity!

Further information on Somerset and South West carnivals can be found on the following websites:

www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk/events.asp
or
www.southwestcarnivals.com