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 2024 that will be the 2nd 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 Maniac Films we then produce a DVD which goes on sale around a week after the carnival. The DVD and Calendar can be ordered online now, we also have a Vimeo account where you can watch any procession from 1982 for a small charge.
If you can’t wait we also stream the procession live over the internet as it comes around the Cornhill and supported by voluntary donations from people watching.
Coach parking has been extended for the last few years due to the high demand, We have areas in the town specifically for coach parking but it has to be pre-booked this makes it far easier to drop off and pick up passengers. Details can be found in our online shop.
Yes you can park in the town but spaces are limited and once the car parks are full there is little other space available. You are strongly advised to use the Park & Ride making it much easier to get into the town and back to your car. Details can be found on our Parking page which will be updated as early as possible.
Yes, two schemes one from J.23 & one from J.24 of the M5, details and prices will be on our website for 2024 once we have made contact with the owners. check on the Parking page for updates.
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 2024 procession are nearly sold out. Order from our online shop early in the new year for 2025, check on our online Shop.
In 2023 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 2024 the Concerts start on Monday 30th September for 12 nights (excluding Sunday). Massive changes are planned for the Town Hall starting in 2024 so we have to wait to see what seating will be available. Tickets are available now from our online Shop.
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.
We do and it can be found on our Polices page Access Statement
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.
Link to the list of Road Closures – to be updated for 2024
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 floats 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.
