Every first Saturday of November, the Somerset town of Bridgwater transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights, music, and magic. As one of the largest illuminated carnivals in Europe and the oldest in the United Kingdom, Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival attracts over 100,000 visitors who line the streets to witness a two-hour procession of jaw-dropping floats adorned with over half a million individual lightbulbs.

The £5,000,000 Future of Bridgwater Carnival

A five million pound scheme to improve facilities for Bridgwater Carnival clubs has moved a step closer – with work to start soon. Bridgwater Carnival Committee project officer, Chris Hocking, added: “At last, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we are delighted that contractors have finally been appointed.

Somerset Council has appointed Rigg Construction to help future-proof the world-famous event – the biggest illuminated carnival in Europe – by redeveloping a site off the A38 Bristol Road used by many clubs to construct their carts.

Bridgwater Town Council (BTC) has set up a special group to liaise with people involved in the carnival projects. Cllr Leigh Redman, who is chairing the group, said: “The signing of this contract is a great example of how Bridgwater Town Council will do everything it can to support our carnival clubs and committee, the carnival procession and concerts are jewels in Bridgwater’s crown, we have so much amazing talent.

Overall, the redevelopment project will improve almost three hectares of derelict land, infrastructure and vehicle access, creating new workspaces and improving the apprenticeship offer for students.

Councillor Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, said: “Bridgwater Carnival is significant, not just for the town but Somerset and the South West.

“It has a proud history stretching back more than 150 years and by improving facilities for the hard-working and dedicated people involved, we will continue to enjoy the spectacle for many years to come.”

The Carnival: A Living Tradition

Bridgwater Carnival traces its roots back to 1605 and the Gunpowder Plot, making it a living piece of British history. The official carnival committee was formed in 1881, and since then, the event has grown into an unmissable highlight of the Somerset calendar. The 2024 carnival marked the 419th anniversary of Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators’ failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament—an event that gave birth to celebrations across the country, with Bridgwater’s being among the most spectacular.

The carnival day itself begins at 10:30am with street entertainment across five town centre areas, featuring music, dance performances, and festivities that build anticipation throughout the day. As dusk falls and the town’s lights dim, the main procession kicks off at 6pm, showcasing approximately 100 entries including massive illuminated carts up to 30 metres in length.

There’s also local ‘walking’ entries of performers in elaborate costumes and charity organisations.

The Volunteer Army: Making Magic Happen

What makes Bridgwater Carnival truly special is that it’s organised entirely by volunteers.

An estimated 2,000 people are involved in the organisation and creation of entries, with over 1,000 additional helpers needed on carnival day alone. These dedicated individuals fill crucial roles including marshals, grandstand stewards, car park attendants, charity collectors, programme sellers, announcers, drivers, and traffic management assistants.

The carnival’s safety director coordinates with volunteers who undergo specialized training in event marshalling. These marshals play a massive role in creating a safe, secure, and happy environment for spectators. They manage crowd control, assist with road closures that begin as early as 8am on carnival day, and ensure the smooth flow of the procession. Without their invaluable support, the event simply couldn’t go ahead.

Beyond safety and logistics, hundreds of official charity collectors wearing identification badges roam the streets, raising vital funds. In 2024, the carnival aimed to beat the previous year’s collection total of £27,188, with donations supporting the official Bridgwater Carnival charity and 29 other local charities and organizations. Between 1982 and 2022, an impressive £865,396 has been collected and shared between charitable causes—a testament to the community spirit that defines this event.

After the procession ends and the squibbing display lights up the High Street around 10pm, our work continues. As carnival-goers disperse and volunteers begin the massive cleanup operation, we’re there collecting units, ensuring the town can return to normal as quickly as possible.

Do you have a local event which may require portable toilets? Read more:

• Somerset portable toilet hire for events
• Event portable toilet hire across Somerset
• Construction site temporary toilets for hire
• Somerset waste management and disposal services
• Meet the Burnham portable toilet team
• Harvest festival portable toilets in Somerset
The Champions: Clubs That Consistently Shine

Year after year, several carnival clubs have distinguished themselves with award-winning entries that set the standard for creativity, craftsmanship, and performance. Three clubs in particular have dominated the winner’s circle:

Gremlins Carnival Club has established itself as a carnival powerhouse since winning their first Bridgwater Carnival in 1971 with “Carnival Tijuana Style.” Based at Bar 27 in St Mary Street, the club has won Bridgwater Carnival an astounding 24 times in the last 30 years. Their consecutive winning streaks including their 2024 entry “Beatlemania”, have made them legends of the circuit. The club has also dominated the stage at the annual Bridgwater Carnival concerts, placing in the top two for eleven consecutive years and winning the prestigious White Hart Cup seven times since 2000.

Ramblers Carnival Club, based at The Bunch of Grapes pub on St John Street, has been equally formidable, particularly in recent years. The club claimed the top spot at the 2023 concerts with their spectacular show “Welcome to the Rock” and won again in 2025.



Their 2023 entry “Trawlermen” took home the top prize at the main parade, showcasing their ability to excel both on stage and on the streets. Ramblers has won the concert White Hart Cup three times in the last six years, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

Renegades Carnival Club, based at Bar Brunel, Penel Orlieu, has emerged as another consistent champion, particularly excelling at the carnival concerts. They won the prestigious White Hart Cup in 2024 with “Tainted Love” their third victory at the concerts in the last six years. Their 2017 entry “Maori-Aotearoa” marked a historic first White Hart Cup win for the club, and they haven’t looked back since, continuing to deliver inventive and crowd-pleasing performances year after year.

---

Photo credit: Daniel Holt Photography

Burnham Portable Toilet Hire Limited has proudly served Bridgwater Carnival for several years, providing comprehensive portable toilet solutions for one of Europe’s largest illuminated processions. For more information about our services, contact us today.