(Photo credit : Dan Holt Photography)
Somerset’s Carnival is one of the most special and unique features of the autumn season. Every year more than 150,000 people visit Bridgwater carnival that is believed to be the largest illuminated carnival in the world. In addition to Bridgwater there are another 21 carnivals during the season. Each area is organised into carnival circuits, with each circuit providing its own friendly competition.
Carnival clubs and groups travel many miles to line up and parade in colourful spectaculars that bring light, music and business to the towns. Most importantly, they also raise thousands of pounds each year for local charities and good causes.
There are at present over 50 carnival clubs with floats (known as carts) which are 100 foot in length. Some carts have two decks of performers with moving parts, turntables and other moving elements with excellent sound systems and up to 30,000 light bulbs. More carts are reducing the energy used by moving to energy saving bulbs and LED’s. Creating carts of this size involves heavy engineering, electronics, carpentry, stage and costume design and the choreography of dance routines.
Carnival has a 400 history in Somerset beginning with bonfires and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes in Bridgwater. Torchlight processions followed therefore starting the tradition of ‘ carnival processions’, which have developed over 400 years to the spectacular processions of today
Find out more about Somerset carnivals, times, dates, go to the official website; http://somersetcountycarnivals.com
Somerset Carnival Dates 2023
Bridgwater – Saturday 4th November 2022 @ 6pm
Burnham on Sea – Monday 6th November 2022 @ 7:30pm
Weston Super Mare – Friday 10th November 2022 @ 7pm
North Petherton – Saturday 11th November 2022 @ 7pm
Shepton Mallet – Wednesday 15th November 2022 @ 7:30pm
Wells – Friday 17th November 2022 @ 7pm
Glastonbury – Saturday 18th November 2022 @ 6:45pm
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 a Somerset Carnival for yourself? We’re certain it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget and definitely one to tick off the bucket list. Check our availability :
https://lavenderhillholidays.co.uk/availability
Here’s a taste of what you can expect, this was Bridgwater Carnival in 2022:-
