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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

Ready, Steady, Book!

 17 April, 2025  – BC/25/005     Ready, Steady, Book! Tickets for the 2025 Bridgwater Carnival Concerts are about to go on sale. The concerts, a dynamic and tantalising preview of what’s to come in the annual carnival parade, feature a cast of more than 600 from a dozen carnival clubs,

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Talent Hunt Begins

Talent Hunt Begins Important news for all who have showbiz in their veins – the stage is set the annual Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Concerts talent hunt. Old hands and newcomers alike are invited to audition for five-minute slots at the Autumn concerts which run for a fortnight. A great

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Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival New President

Dave Creedy was elected for a three-year term at the BGFC’s Annual General Meeting. He has been a dedicated carnival supporter since he first appeared in the parade as a young lad and was born into the carnival family – his father Walt was a co-founder of Vagabonds CC in

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Supported by PRS for Music

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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