The Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Concerts 2026 will take place from Sunday 4 October to Thursday 15 October 2026, with performances staged at The McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater College, Bath Road, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 4PZ.
The move to The McMillan Theatre represents a one year change of venue while Bridgwater Town Hall undergoes a major refurbishment, delivered through a jointly funded project supported by the Bridgwater Town Deal and Bridgwater Town Council.
Anne Middleton, Secretary and Concert Co-ordinator, welcomed the announcement and the opportunity it presents for Carnival clubs:
“I’m really pleased that our 2026 Carnival Concerts, which are unique to Bridgwater, will be taking place at the McMillan Theatre. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our clubs to perform on the McMillan stage, and I’d like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this possible.”
Sarah Humphrey, Entertainment Director, said the change of venue has been embraced across the Carnival community:
“With the Town Hall unavailable due to extensive repair works, the Carnival Committee and our Gangs and Features clubs have fully embraced the opportunity to use the McMillan Theatre for this year’s concerts. It will be exciting to experience what the theatre can offer with its modern, up-to-date facilities, even though the move is for one year only.”
A spokesperson for Bridgwater Town Council said the concerts remain a vital part of the town’s identity:
“The Bridgwater Carnival Concerts are an important part of the town’s cultural calendar, bringing our
community together and showcasing the incredible talent and spirit of Bridgwater. While it is disappointing not to host the concerts in the Town Hall in 2026, we fully recognise how much this long standing event means to residents, performers and visitors alike.”
The Council confirmed it looks forward to welcoming the Carnival Concerts back to the Town Hall in October 2027, following improvements to sound, lighting and accessibility that are expected to create a state-of-the art performance venue. In support of Carnival during the disruption, the Town Hall has also been offered free of charge for the full two-week concert period in 2027.
Chairman of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, Duncan J. White, said the move ensures the tradition
continues uninterrupted:
“Moving to the McMillan Theatre allows us to continue an annual tradition that so many people look forward to. It also gives our clubs, dance troupes and front-of-curtain acts the chance to perform in a professional theatre, which is a fitting recognition of their talent and dedication.”
That view was echoed by Dave Creedy, President of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, who praised the
support of the venue:
“Once we were informed that the Town Hall wouldn’t be available, the McMillan Theatre team were incredibly supportive and worked hard to accommodate us. Performing in a purpose-built theatre will be an exciting experience for both performers and audiences.”
The 2026 concerts will include two Sunday matinee performances on 4 and 11 October, both starting at 2:00pm. The Saturday evening performance will begin at 6:00pm, with all other performances starting at 7:00pm. Concerts will be judged exactly as in previous years, using the same criteria, formalities and trophy awards that underpin the competitive spirit of Carnival.
Tickets for the highly anticipated Bridgwater Carnival Concerts will go on sale on Friday 1 May 2026, priced at £25 per ticket.
Tickets will be available in person from the Carnival Centre on Bridgwater High Street from 9.00am, with online sales opening from 10.00am via www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk/carnival-concert-tickets
The Carnival Concerts are one of the highlights of the Bridgwater Carnival calendar and are expected to sell out quickly. Early booking is therefore strongly advised. Please note that tickets are non refundable.
The concerts are a high energy live performance and all audience members must be able to sit in their own seat for the full duration of the show. For safety and comfort reasons, babies and children sitting on laps will not be permitted.
Jason Gunningham, Principal of Bridgwater College, said the College is proud to host the concerts,
describing Bridgwater Carnival as “a special and important part of the community that celebrates music, creativity and community spirit.”
Publicity Director Lewis White said 2026 promises to be a landmark year for performers:
“For many performers, this will be their first time appearing in a purpose built theatre. It’s an exciting
opportunity and I’m looking forward to seeing how clubs make the most of the chance to showcase their 2026 entries.”
The Bridgwater Carnival Concerts will run exactly as they always have — the only difference in 2026 is the venue.
