Our FAQs; All the most Frequently Asked Questions about the Bridgwater Carnival, Concerts and Procession.
Never been to Bridgwater Carnival? Don’t know what to expect read our “First Time Visitor Guide“? There is also much more information on this website.
Bridgwater Carnival is now always held on the first Saturday in November each year, for 2026 that will be the 7th November.
We put on street entertainment from 10.30am in the town centre, the roads are closed to traffic and the variety of acts creates a party atmosphere.
Yes the procession is filmed each year currently by DW Media we then produce a DVD and USB which goes on sale 7-21 days after the carnival.
We livestream the procession as it comes around the Cornhill. An earlybird ticket (available until 11.59pm Friday 6th November 2026) is £5. Tickets on the day will be £7.00. Book here
We have areas in the town specifically for coach parking that has to be pre-booked.
Details can be found in our online shop.
As well as public car parks there are also car parks manned by Charities and Community Groups. These spaces get full quickly. We recommend using one of the Park & Rides. Visit our Parking page for more information.
Yes, two schemes one from J23 & one from J.25 of the M5, details and prices are on the Parking page.
Whilst we cannot stop you bringing a dog (assistance dogs excepted) to our carnival you have to consider if the carnival is a suitable environment for your dog, the large crowds, loud noise and special effects may well frighten them?
We do not allow dogs in the grandstands for the reasons stated above.
Grandstands seats for the 2026 procession have sold out.
2027 seats will be available next year in our Shop. Please sign up to our Newsletter which will announce when they are on sale, or keep an eye on our social media.
In 2025 we had 150 people squibbing in the High Street after the procession, the squibs are fixed to coshs which are held up at arms length and all let off at the same time. See our Squibbing page for more information.
The date of the Carnival Concerts are governed by the Bridgwater Fair which precedes it, the four day Fair always starts on the last Wednesday in September each year followed by the concert on the following Monday, so for 2025 the Concerts start on Monday 29th September for 12 nights (excluding Sunday). Massive changes are planned for the Town Hall where work will still be ongoing in 2025 so we have to wait to see what seating will be available. Tickets will be available early in the new year from the Carnival Centre and our online Shop, they will be advertised on our website when available.
You most certainly can, auditions for front of curtain acts are held early in the new year. Details will be posted on our online Page early in 2025.
The relevant officers are contactable by email. See details. You can also contact the Carnival Centre on 01278 428220.
If you require more information than you can find on this site or would like to report something please email Customer Services. You can also contact the Carnival Centre on 01278 428220.
Bridgwater Town Centre (High Street & Cornhill) will be closed to traffic from 8.00 am on Carnival Day.
Visit Road Closures for more details of other roads.
Carnival Terminology
Bridgwater Squibs: Giant fireworks originally made in homes throughout the town but now produce to a secret formula by leading firework manufacturers, especially for Bridgwater Carnival. In 1929, over 2,000 squibs were ignited during the course of carnival night. 800 of these were 24 inches in length with a 2 inch bore, whilst the remainder measured 12 inches by 1 inch. Because of their size, the squibs are tied to poles (coshes) and, once lit, are held above the squibbers head until the firework extinguishes. Nowadays a simultaneous squibbing display is held in the town s High Street immediately after the parade when upwards of 150 squibs are ignited at the same time creating a marvellous, unique display.
Carts: Carnival carts in Bridgwater were originally constructed on hay carts or log carts. The name has stuck! Sometimes also reported in the local press as cars .
Gangs: Carnival clubs whose members stand or pose in tableaux, completely still, creating a picture which depicts their chosen theme.
Features: The all singing, all dancing, all moving style of carnival entry.
