Timings and where to watch the UK's oldest carnival

The organisers of the UK's oldest carnival say they are expecting about 150,000 people to line the streets for this year's event.

Bridgwater's Guy Fawkes Carnival, which can trace its routes back to 1847, is now held on the first Saturday in November.

Saturday's event is the first of seven illuminated Guy Fawkes carnivals taking place around Somerset in November 2026, with more than 1,000 volunteers and performers taking part.

Here is everything you need to know about the event and where to watch along the 1.7 mile route.

A programme of live music and entertainment will take place around the town from 10:30 GMT.

There will be performances on the High Street, Cornhill Stage and at St Mary's Church.

The carnival procession begins on Bath Road at 18:00 GMT and finishes on Mount Street.

It takes approximately two hours for the procession, which features a mixture of carts, marching bands and walking entries, to pass any one point on the route.

The event is free, but volunteers collect donations from the crowd.

"I think people don't realise that it is all volunteers," said Lewis White, publicity director for Bridgwater Carnival.

"It's all people from all walks of life, all different backgrounds that are producing these carts. I think people presume it is professional people building these carts, making the costumes, putting together the music that's used," he added.

Approximately 30 minutes after the procession finishes, the annual tradition of 'squibbing' will take place on the High Street.

The spectacle sees about 150 people line each side of the street, each carrying a long pole topped with a large firework.

The fireworks are then ignited, creating a shower of sparks overhead.

Spectators are urged to keep a safe distance.

The majority of people find a spot on the pavement to watch the procession.

Bridgwater carnival organisers say you do not need to buy a ticket to watch unless you sit in a grandstand seat or have a hospitality package, both of which sell out ahead of the event.

If you cannot attend in-person, the event will be streamed online via Bridgwater carnival's social media pages or on their website.

The event's organisers are keen to promote public transport as the best way of getting to and from the carnival.

Park and ride buses will run from HPC Park & Ride near the M5 Junction 23 and Taunton Gateway Park and Ride near Junction 25.

The service will run from 14:00 GMT to 23:30 GMT and costs £17 per car.

Organisers say the Junction 24 Park and Ride is not in operation this year.

There will be eight official charity car parks around the town, including one at West Quay and St Matthew's Field.

Each will cost £10 per car or £20 per minibus.

"I think people do still leave it to the last minute to get into the town centre," said White.

"The main roads in and out of the town close at 16:00," he added.

Visitors should also be aware of unofficial traders along the route selling balloons and light-up toys.

Organisers say these stalls are not associated with the carnival.

Mobile phone service is often reduced due to the number of people in the area.

The carnival will take place no matter the forecast, so spectators are advised to wrap up warm and be prepared for wet and cold weather.

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