Bridgwater Carnival returns for the first time since the pandemic
There's fireworks tonight in Bridgwater to mark the start of the town's famous carnival weekend
Last updated 4th Nov 2022
Bridgwater Carnival returns - in full - this weekend for the first time since before the pandemic.
It kicks off with the ‘Grand Firework Display’ at St Matthew's Field at 7.30pm - before the famous cart procession tomorrow.
The build-up to the fireworks display will start at 3.30pm with family friendly attractions and a handful of fairground rides.
Local school children will also be getting in on the fun with a special lantern parade from 7pm leaving the Bridgwater YMCA. Approximately 100 children are expected to take part from Cannington Primary School, Northgate Primary School, Otterhampton Primary School, St Mary’s Primary School, Somerset Bridge Primary School, and Willowdown Primary School.
Dave Stokes, who is part of the organising team, said: "The carnival procession (on Saturday) will start at 6pm, and will consist of nearly 100 entries - with over 45 illuminated carnival carts, including the royal themed cart ‘Jubilation’ which took part in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant in June, and many other walking entries.
"Official charity collectors will be on the streets on carnival day and night, and organisers are hoping to beat 2019’s collection total of £21,132. As well as the official Bridgwater Carnival charity, the authorised collectors, who will be identifiable through unique identity badges, will be raising monies for 18 other local charities and organisations."
On Saturday there's lots of family and street entertainment ahead of the cart procession.
A number of car parks have also been set aside for people to park in and organisers have issued travel advice.
Click here for everything you need to know about the 2022 Bridgwater Carnival