Bridgwater Carnival Somerset

Was talking to someone today who highly recommended the Bridgwater Carnival, have never heard of it before
Think we may work it in with a trip... here are the details in case anyone else might be interested.




The Somerset Carnival is highly regarded as the largest illuminated procession in the world.

Location of procession

Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is held annually at Bridgwater in Somerset, England.

Located in the heart of the West Country with easy access by road, head south from Bristol on the M5 and you will find us between junctions 23 and 24 of the M5 motorway. We are also served by rail.

If you are coming via the M5 please note the road into Bridgwater from junction 24 will close at 6.30 p.m., if you are likely to arrive later than 6.30 p.m. you should proceed to junction 23 as this road into Bridgwater will remain open all evening.

More info http://www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk/

Video link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfgtASObQR0

Carnivals start with the Bridgwater Carnival....then they move to different locations:

http://www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk/events.asp

I've seen the Weston Super Mare one many times and would highly recommend it.
All the 'floats' move to each location for a trip around their respective town on their allocated nights.
They look fantastic all illuminated and there are usually 'hundreds' of entrants.
Procession lasts at least two hours........where ever you go, get there early!!!!

You will not be disappointed...all ages!!

PB

Yes, it's well worth a visit. We used to live near to Glastonbury and always went to that one - it's a couple of weeks later than the Bridgwater one. There are about a dozen different ones in the subsequent fortnight but the Bridgwater one is always first and biggest. I'd recommend finding a site near to one of the venues and catching a bus in a at least couple of hours before the start or walking in. Also you may want to consider being close enough to walk back to your van after it ends (about 10.30pm, I think).

Have Fun,
John

Haven't been to the carnival and try to avoid anywhere there are fireworks because of the dog but I always look out for the 'camel' on the north side of the M5 near Bridgewater when passing. It was part of the carnival years ago and was 'parked up in a farmers field afterwards. Been there a long time now and sometimes 'hides' in the bushes.

Ann

Ah... yes.. nice to see we're famous for something. If you want to stay over - the local rugby club takes camaper vans and is right on the carnival route so you won't have to stagger far to get home.. http://www.barfc.co.uk/2009/index.php
I advise any one watching to follow the last float into the High Street, in the town centre, to watch the squibbing display after the procession has finished - this is the only carnival to hold one and it is a unique sight to see.
I will be in the town Church during the day as we open the tower for visitors to go up and see the surroundings from a different perspective. if you get there early enough come and say hello..
Rich..

RML wrote:Ah... yes.. nice to see we're famous for something. If you want to stay over - the local rugby club takes camaper vans and is right on the carnival route so you won't have to stagger far to get home.. http://www.barfc.co.uk/2009/index.php
I advise any one watching to follow the last float into the High Street, in the town centre, to watch the squibbing display after the procession has finished - this is the only carnival to hold one and it is a unique sight to see.
I will be in the town Church during the day as we open the tower for visitors to go up and see the surroundings from a different perspective. if you get there early enough come and say hello..
Rich..

Thanks for that Rich

Maybe an ASOF late "get together" ...... Will work on Mrs Deckie .... You're about 250 miles from us

Brian

Maybe hijacking a bit, but we are going to the Wells weekend in November, with some mates.

Staying at Wells holiday park, if anyone in the area.
Will be flying the ASOF flag, along with other bits & bobs

Hi CC we went to the Chard carnival last year which is on our doorstep absolutely amazing I have never seen anything like it. We were thinking of going to the Bridgwater one but are told it is very busy and have been advised by a local to go to the North Petherton Carnival which is on Saturday 10 November this year. I have been told there is just as many floats and you can park much easier and watch by the roadside so I would recommend you go there if convenient. Also take some seats as standing for 2 hrs does your legs in!

Thanks for the advice Moggy and everyone else.... certainly seems to be worth a look for a few days so will have to look into this in more depth before finally deciding, hoping to work the trip in with a visit to Auto-Sleepers for a service.

CC

Being totally and utterly biased I would have to say that Bridgwater carnival is the biggest and the best. It's traditionally the first on this circuit and the one that all the clubs want to win. Viewing and parking is no problem whatsoever there are plenty of places to eat and drink. We also have 2 weeks of concerts in the town hall leading up to the main event.

http://www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk/

All the carnivals tend to have their own support for various reasons and you will see most of the floats at all the towns but the atmosphere at Bridgy is unique.
Rich..

Hi Rich.... was hoping to stay at this lovely looking CL site but they are fully booked which I guess is not really that surprising

http://www.thornhillsfarm.co.uk/certified-location.html

Will have to see what else we can find, as usual any recommendations welcomed....

CC

We went to the Burnham On Sea one last year and stayed on a commercial site that was a couple of minutes from the town and the back entrance would suit for walking the dog along the sea front, also a park nearby.

Hi CC
The rugby club has opened to campers in the past, no EHU though, http://www.barfc.co.uk/2009/index.php it's right on the route, you only have to walk to the gates to se it. May be worth a phone call to make sure there's room and that you don't have to share the bath with the referee, he's easy to spot... he'll be on his own.
It's a brilliant day with street entertainment in the town, then the carnival, and a squibbing display in the High St after so prepare for a long day!
We'll be in the town from 09.30 till after midnight.
Rich..