(Photo credit : Dan Holt Photography)
Somerset Carnivals are highly regarded as the largest illuminated procession in the world. The carnival “carts”(as they’re known locally) are designed and built by dedicated carnival clubs around the West Country. These clubs have many members who raise money throughout the year, and work relentlessly to achieve the spectacular carnival entries. Each clubs entry then takes part in the carnival parade along with many other entries, putting on a show to the public, and competing with each other to impress the judges. The illuminated carts can be up to 100ft in length, 16ft high, and 11ft wide, and some have 20-30,000 light bulbs.
History of the Carnival
The ritual dates back to at least the 1600s, when many parts of the county commemorated the Gunpowder Plot. Today, it’s a combination of open-air entertainment. You’ll find fairgrounds, street performers, food vendors and late-night openings for many shops and restaurants.
Bridgwater is the biggest and busiest. However, you’ll find the other towns offer a slightly smaller, but just as magnificent, Carnival experience. This year promises to be that bit more special as it’s the first one since 2019. Also, because this year there’ll be one very special entry, The Jubilee Pageant Cart. This was specially commissioned for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s 70th Jubilee. It featured in the world-famous Jubilee Pageant which took place in London on Sunday 5th June 2022. This very special cart was seen on TV by the whole world! Now it’s going to form part of this year’s Somerset Carnival circuit and will be one of those not-to-be missed occasions!. Also, for the first time in 24 years, there will also be a Carnival in Exeter, where the Jubilee Pageant Cart will also feature.
These carnival events are free, but donations are very welcome. The money collected from the public all goes to local charities. So, please remember to bring plenty of loose change.
More Info….
Find out more about Somerset carnivals, times, dates, go to the official website; http://somersetcountycarnivals.com
Somerset Carnival Dates 2022
Bridgwater – Saturday 5th November 2022 @ 6pm
Burnham on Sea – Monday 7th November 2022 @ 7:30pm
Weston Super Mare – Friday 11th November 2022 @ 7pm
North Petherton – Saturday 12th November 2022 @ 7pm
Shepton Mallet – Wednesday 16th November 2022 @ 7:30pm
Wells – Friday 18th November 2022 @ 7pm
Glastonbury – 19th November 2022 @ 7pm
Exeter – Saturday 26th November @ 6pm
Lavender Hill Availability
We still have properties available to cover the above Carnivals dates. So, why not make a weekend, or even a week of it and experience Somerset Carnivals for yourself? We’re certain it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget. Check our availability :
https://lavenderhillholidays.co.uk/availability
Here’s a taste of what you can expect, this was the last Bridgwater Carnival in 2019:
