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About Us

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.

Latest News

Bridgwater Car & Van Hire Sponsors Carnival

BRIDGWATER CAR & VAN HIRE SPONSORS CARNIVAL FOR 11TH SUCCESSIVE YEAR A local family run car and van rental business is the latest company to become an official sponsor of this year’s Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival. Bridgwater Car and Van Hire, who are based at Castlefields in the town, pledged

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Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival – ‘In Numbers’

 2023 is the 418th anniversary of The Gunpower Plot, and the origins of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival can be traced back to when Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators failed in their attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.  Distance wise, the procession route is

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The Final Countdown

Pictures courtesy of Timeless Images With under ten days until the carnival returns to town on Saturday 4 November, the final countdown has begun to Bridgwater Carnival 2023. For the carnival clubs who are working on their spectacular entries around the clock, to the carnival organisers who are finalising the

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Lantern Parade and Firework Display Friday 3 November

The 2023 Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival celebrations will start with a bang at a ‘Grand Firework Display’ on Friday 3 November 2023. Sponsored by Bridgwater Town Council and supported by Somerset Council, the traditional carnival curtain raiser event will take place at St Matthew’s Field. The glittering fireworks display, which starts

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PRS for Music licences the use of copyright music across the UK, giving businesses and organisations the legal permission they need to play the music they want.

These licences ensure that music publishers, songwriters and composers are fairly rewarded with royalties so they can keep making music – and mean that we’re able to support music at events like this.

For more information about PRS for Music or music licensing, visit www.prsformusic.com or call 0800 068 4828

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