Big audience expected for virtual Bridgwater Carnival, as people urged to respect lockdown restrictions
The virtual Bridgwater carnival takes place this weekend which families are being encouraged to stay home and watch - as the country enters the first weekend of the second national lockdown.
Last updated 6th Nov 2020
The online stream, on Saturday from 6pm, will reflect the best 92 entries from Europe's largest illimuniated carnival dating back to 1982.
It comes as Avon & Somerset Police and the leader of Somerset County Council are urging residents to not all head en masse to West County beauty spots as they try to avoid a repeat of scenes from the first national lockdown.
County Council Leader David Fothergill said: "The guidelines are very different this time which is that you can go out and you can take exercise and you can drive to the point of exercise.
"So there will be an opportunity I think for people to visit some of those places like Exmoor National Park or Dartmoor National park, or Quantocks or The Blackdowns.
"I think people will go out and I welcome that. I think people need to get some exercise for their own mental wellbeing.
"There is a facility to travel for exercise, short travel for exercise."
A spokesperson for Avon & Somerset Police said: "We’d encourage the public to look at the new restrictions which have come into force today and stay home wherever possible to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
“Exceptions to leave your home include taking exercise, which includes visiting a public place for open air recreation.
“We would encourage people to follow the letter and spirit of the restrictions throughout this four-week lockdown period.
“Officers will continue to explain the new restrictions and engage with the public, encouraging people to comply but moving more swiftly to enforcement if breaches of the restrictions are deliberate or blatant.”
For more about Bridgwater Carnival's 'Best Of The Best' show on Saturday click here
For the official lockdown restrictions from The Government click here
For the latest Covid 19 information, including local figures, from Somerset County Council click here