Somerset Carnivals

An ancient tradition that’s the pride of Somerset

Somerset carnivals combine grand fireworks displays with street processions, fairgrounds and street food. Find out where to see a Somerset carnival this year.

Somerset carnivals are the highlight of the year for locals. The ritual dates back to at least the 1600s, when many parts of the county commemorated the Gunpowder Plot. Today, it’s a combination of open-air entertainment, fairgrounds, street food and late-night openings for many shops and restaurants.

Many Somerset carnival carts are over 50 feet long and come covered in intricate themed designs featuring moving parts and thousands of light bulbs - not to mention the characters, all played by members of the local Carnival Clubs. Remember to bring plenty of loose change, as the proceeds from the coin-collection carts go to charity. Find out more about Somerset carnivals, times, dates and routes at the Somerset Carnivals official website

The World famous Bridgwater Carnival

Largest illuminated carnival in Europe

Bridgwater is famous for its carnival with the annual procession regarded as the largest, most spectacular, illuminated procession in Europe.
Around 50 carts, some as long as 100 foot, are accompanied by bands and masqueraders as they wend their way along the 1.7 mile route through the town. ...

Read more about the famous tradition of Squibbing!

The highlight of the year..

Across the whole of Somerset

East to west, autumn is the premier season in Somerset, as carnivals arrive in towns and cities across the county. Processions of illuminated lorries - known to locals as ‘floats’ - take to the streets and set the Somerset skies ablaze with energy...

Somerset Carnivals are the highlight of the year for locals & visitors alike!.

Which is your favourite of the Somerset Carnivals ?

The ritual dates back to at least the 1600s, when many parts of the county commemorated the Gunpowder Plot. Today, it’s a combination of grand fireworks displays, street entertainment, fairgrounds, street food and late-night openings for many shops and restaurants....

Somerset carnival dates 2023

Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association
Bridgwater - Saturday 4th November, 6.00pm
Burnham on Sea - Monday 6th November, 7.30pm
Weston Super Mare - Friday 10th November, 7.00pm
North Petherton - Saturday 11th November, 7.00pm
Midsomer Norton - Monday 13th November, 7.30pm
Shepton Mallet - Wednesday 15th November, 7.30pm
Wells - Friday 17th November, 7.00pm
Glastonbury - Saturday 18th November, 6.45pm

Website link: https://www.somersetcountycarnivals.com/

Wessex Grand Prix
Mere - Saturday 16th September, 7.30pm
Frome - Saturday 23rd September, 7.00pm
Shaftesbury - Saturday 30th September, 7.15pm
Gillingham - Saturday 7th October, 7.15pm
Wincanton - Friday 13th October, 7.30pm
Castle Cary - Saturday 14th October, 7.00pm
Trowbridge - Saturday 21st October, 7.00pm
Warminster - Saturday 28th October, 7.00pm

South Somerset Federation

Wellington - Saturday 30th September, 7.30pm
Ilminster - Saturday 7th October, 7.15pm
Chard - Saturday 14th October, 7.30pm
Taunton - Saturday 21st October 7.00pm

Independent Carnivals

South Petherton - Saturday 9th September, 7.30pm
Midsomer Norton - Monday 13th November, 7.30pm