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 at 7.30pm, has proved popular in the past with spectators and has been well supported by people in and around the Sedgemoor area.
The build up to the fireworks display will start at 3.30pm, with other attractions at St Matthew’s Field to entertain the family, including a handful of fairground rides kindly provided by the world famous Chipperfield family.
Local school children from Puriton Primary School, Otterhampton Primary School, and Stogursey Church of England Primary School, will also be getting in on the fun on the evening by taking part in a special lantern parade, starting at 7.15pm from Westfield Church before progressing into St Matthews Field itself.
The children will be carrying lanterns which they have made from traditional willow, tissue paper and bamboo canes during workshops led by Simon Tipping from Route Canal Arts. These workshops form part of Bridgwater Carnival’s School Outreach programme involving about 20 local schools and nurseries in a variety of carnival related activities, all of which have been funded by Arts Council England.
Mike Crocker, president for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, said: “The Grand Fireworks Display will officially mark the beginning of the 2023 Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival celebrations, and it will increase the excitement and anticipation as we countdown the hours to the start of the illuminated carnival procession on the following night.
“This organised fireworks display is always a big spectacle, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bridgwater Town Council and Somerset Council for their continued help and support. We really do appreciate it.”
There will be a £7 charge for parking on St Matthew’s Field, with all proceeds raised going directly to support the running of the carnival, local charities and community groups. Gates for parking will open at 6pm.
Official collectors will also be roaming the site so those attending on foot can also make a donation.
No unauthorised pedlars will be allowed into the field during the event.