This is the official website for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival – the UK’s oldest carnival and one of the largest illuminated carnival processions in Europe.
Held annually on the first Saturday in November, this carnival takes place in Bridgwater, Somerset.
Ever since Guy Fawkes was discovered by the guards of King James I on that cold November night in 1605, Bridgwater has celebrated his failure and The Gunpowder Plot in its own unique way. These celebrations have grown into a massive, spectacular carnival that attracts spectators from all over the UK.
Over 50 carnival carts, some as big as 100ft long, 16ft high and 11 ft wide, and lit by thousands of lights, wind their way through the centre of this historic Somerset town, creating an explosive atmosphere of light, sound and movement. Accompanying these carts are groups and individual masqueraders on foot, marching bands and majorettes.
The entire procession takes over two hours to pass anyone viewing point on the 1.7-mile route and the carnival is brought to a dramatic finale with an amazing firework display (locally known as squibbing) in the middle of the town.
Seeing is believing - don't miss this amazing carnival.
As well as visiting this official website, carnival supporters can find out all of the latest Bridgwater Carnival news on the event’s official Facebook and Twitter pages.