Somerset Carnivals
It can be tricky to convey to someone from outside the county just how important (and dazzling) the Somerset carnivals are. There are around 30 illuminated carnivals in the South West. The most famous are often referred to as the ‘Magnificent Seven’. These are the Guy Fawkes carnivals and this ‘circuit’ takes place in November. Tens of thousands of people line the streets to watch these very special Somerset carnivals.
The Cross at Croscombe is located close to three Somerset carnivals; Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet and Wells. As you can see from the list below, these take place within a few days of each other. Carnival addicts could take in all 3!
Somerset Carnival dates & routes 2024
South Petherton is an independent carnival on Saturday 14 September 7.30pm
The Guy Fawkes Carnivals get underway at Bridgwater. This is held on the first Saturday in November.
Bridgwater Carnival – Saturday 2 November 6pm
Highbridge & Burnham-on-Sea Carnival – Monday 4 November 7:30pm
Weston-super-Mare Carnival – Friday 8 November 7pm
North Petherton Carnival – Saturday 9 November 7pm
Midsomer Norton Carnival – Monday 11 November 7pm (technically not one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’)
Shepton Mallet Carnival – Wednesday 13 November 7:30pm
Wells Carnival – Friday 15 November 7:00pm
Glastonbury Carnival – Saturday 16 November 6:45pm
Roads on the main routes are closed prior to and during each event. (Ahead of the Wells carnival one of the local roads is used as a temporary car park as carts are parked up ready for the big event. It’s not a sight you expect to see as you visit the supermarket…)
Carnival floats parked up in Wells
The South Somerset carnival Circuit 2024
These carnivals last for around an hour and a quarter.
Wellington 28 September 2024 7:30pm
Ilminster 5 October 2024 7:15pm
Chard 12 October 2024 7.30pm
Taunton 19 October 2024 7:30pm
other carnivals in somerset – wessex grand prix 2024
Below are some of the smaller carnivals in Somerset. Still magnificent, these events last around an hour.
Frome Saturday 21 September 7:00pm (main procession). There is also an afternoon procession
Wincanton Friday 11 October 7:30pm
Castle Cary Saturday 12 October 7:00pm
Trowbridge Saturday 19 October 7:00pm
Warminster Saturday 26 October 6:45pm
SOMERSET CARNIVALS ARE BIG & BRIGHT
It’s claimed that the Somerset carnivals are the largest illuminated processions in the world. And if you’ve been to a Somerset carnival you’ll know that it’s hard to argue otherwise. Carnival ‘carts’ are built and designed by carnival clubs around the county. Taking months to complete, these really are a labour of love and can cost thousands of pounds to produce.
Each cart has a theme. The largest will be up to 100 feet in length and illuminated with thousands of bulbs. Carnival club members ride on the carts in fancy dress, often dancing/juggling/singing to pounding music. Hundreds of carts can take part in each of the processions, so a Somerset carnival can easily last for a couple of hours. Carts are judged and prizes awarded at each event.
The amount of entries to each carnival can vary as a few of the carts can be too long to navigate some of the local streets. Bridgwater always kicks things off in style on the county circuit. Here, the crowd is usually in excess of 100,000! (Bridgwater carnival is held on the first Saturday in November.)
Bridgwater carnival also features a squibbing display. This involves around 150 people simultaneously letting off fireworks which are strapped to a large cosh. The result is a dramatic trail of fire. If you fancy catching the display it only takes place after Bridgwater carnival.
While the events are free to attend, they are designed to raise money for local causes. If you fancy experiencing one of the Somerset carnivals please take some change with you. And do remember to take some warm clothing (preferably with a pocket for a hip flask).
Happy carnivaling!