243:
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664:
540:
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22:
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676:
during the carnival season are wholly distributed by the club charity. Some carts cost in excess of £20,000 to build and are the result of thousands of man-hours work throughout the year. Most clubs are based around local working or social circles, such as pubs and clubs. Many clubs have specialist
Juvenile Carnival clubs (JCC) for the under 16s. To join an adult 16 and over club, an initiation ceremony is often involved. All work is carried out in the spare time of the club members on a voluntary basis – often working all night in the final few days to get carts ready.
193:
548:
65:
865:
869:
204:. It would seem it was these gangs who started the trend towards a procession, as they paraded their guys towards the bonfire. As years passed by, the tradition was continued and the annual celebration became more and more elaborate, involving costumes, and music, until the key feature of the event was a large carnival procession.
333:
Local
Government Authorities and businesses were keen to the reschedule the event to a weekend date – presumably to make it more convenient for visitors to attend. This met strong resistance from many locals who believe the tradition of so many years should be maintained, and from others who are
647:
of power, with 10,000 to 30,000 lamps not uncommon on a modern-day cart. The towing vehicles themselves are often decorated to match the rest of the cart and generator, and in some cases modified so that the driver is positioned low down between the two front wheels. This allows for a higher degree
338:
carnival has traditionally taken place on the following
Saturday. The new timing would also spoil another local tradition known as Black Friday, when locals celebrate their hard work on carnival in an alcoholic manner. However, accepting that shops and work times in the present have changed greatly
317:
The carnival concert takes place in the weeks leading up to the carnival. At these concerts, carnival clubs perform on stage wearing their costumes and using pieces of scenery. After being poorly patronised for a period, the carnival concert has become a highly popular attraction in recent years,
675:
themselves are aimed specifically and solely at raising funds for other charities which operate within their locality. Clubs generate all funds required to build and operate their carts totally by charitable donations from individuals and sponsorship from local businesses — all funds raised
258:
Originally the squibs were made specially for the carnival and were known as the
Bridgwater Squib, and culminated with a large bang as each squib extinguished. With modern Health and Safety concerns it has become difficult to purchase such squibs, and owing to the rising cost of insurance the
501:
Bridgwater on the first
Saturday in November; Burnham-on-Sea on the following Monday; Weston-super-Mare on the following Friday; North Petherton on the second Saturday; Shepton Mallet on the following Wednesday; Wells on the following Friday; and Glastonbury on the third
339:
and the local economic business need, the
Bridgwater Carnival Committee decided, not without much controversy, to move the carnival to a Friday with effect from 2001. This was part of a strategy to keep the carnival alive in the long term, with the committee working with
274:
Bridgwater carnival now consists of a display of over 40 large vehicles up to 100 feet (30 m) long, festooned with dancers and up to 22,000 lightbulbs, that follows a 2.5-mile (4 km) route over two to three hours. 2005 included the
Masquerade 2000 entrants from
346:
The dates will change again from 2012, with
Bridgwater on the first Saturday in November. It is hoped that as a result of the changed date many visitors will come earlier and stay longer, perhaps taking in some of the other carnivals and entertainment provided locally.
254:
locally is a firework which is held aloft by a person known as a "squibber" on the end of a long wooden handle called a "cosh". One hundred squibbers stand in line in
Bridgwater town centre making an unusual but impressive sight for visitors who crowd the High Street.
188:
barrels were added, together with just about anything else available which could be burned. This tradition was stopped due to lack of old wooden boats to burn, and because a number of good boats were thrown onto the fire and burnt by over-enthusiastic revellers.
118:
monarchy and parliament of the day, in order to put an end to
Catholic persecution. In 1580, they were discovered attempting to garner favour with northern-English based nobility in the English Mission, and were then associated with the failed
367:
The Bridgwater carnival was the first carnival of its type, however other carnival processions within the South West began some years ago. They start in late August and continue until late November. The oldest and largest circuit is the
218:
There were no parades during the Second World War, but a local carnival enthusiast William Henry Edwin Lockyer also known as "Nosey" walked the carnival route for six years with a group known as The Kilties, to keep the tradition alive.
559:
is used. The term cart is still used today to describe the large and elaborate trailers used in the procession. Carts are built by local clubs of individuals funded totally by charitable donations and sponsorship from local businesses.
330:, or 5 November. This was then formalised in 1919 after the First World War, as the carnival circuits were formed to be held on the first Thursday of November – Thursday was traditionally early closing day for shops in Bridgwater.
262:
Lines of flammable liquid are also run along the ground by the squibbers and lit to add to the spectacle. Visitors often think the whole sight looks a little dangerous, but the event is well organised and nobody has been hurt to date.
308:
awarded the Carnival in Somerset Promotion Project £41,000 to promote and conserve carnival heritage. The project aims to raise awareness of the history of the carnivals within schools and the local community.
226:, to replace the 2020 Bridgwater procession a live stream was held on carnival night showing some of the best carnival carts over the years. In 2021, smaller Masquerade parades were put on in
131:. After the execution of Campion and natural death of Emerson, Parsons continued to plot to restore Catholic power in England, and hence his last ill-fated attempt against parliament and King
643:
or trucks, and usually also tow a large diesel-driven electricity generator to provide the huge amount of power required to power the carts. Some generators used can provide over one
56:
The series of parades in each town now form a major regional festival. Some carts cost in excess of £40,000 to build and are the result of thousands of hours work throughout the year.
242:
301:
The carnival's purpose is to raise money for local charities from money collection carts in the procession. Between 2003 and 2007, around £115,000 was raised at Bridgwater Carnival.
318:
with tickets to see the event in a Bridgwater hall selling out very quickly – partly due to increased publicity, and partly as the popularity of the carnival increases.
1208:
152:
is a major annual celebration across the whole of England, but it is likely that the reason that the West Country Carnival was originally so keenly celebrated is that the
372:
which starts at Bridgwater, with many of the carts will appear in all of the carnivals. Prizes are awarded in several categories for the best carts in each carnival.
160: – hence the celebration of Robert Parsons' (and Guy Fawkes') failure. The religious origins of the event are almost forgotten and far less significant today.
355:
1188:
663:
1183:
1203:
648:
of decoration without obscuring the driver's view. The length of the entire cart is often built to the maximum allowable of 100 feet (30 m).
539:
196:
Bridgwater Carnivals own cart. Used to advertise their carnival at other carnivals, and travels at the front of every Bridgwater Carnival.
632:
Carts include both music and costumed people to complete their theme. People and items on the cart can either be moving or static in
1198:
1134:
1121:
1108:
1095:
1082:
840:
791:
651:
These carts are interspersed with walking exhibits known as masqueraders, either groups or singles, occasional marching bands or
271:
The Bridgwater carnival first modernised in 1881 and was originally lit by lamps; electric lights were first introduced in 1913.
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748:
1178:
295:
720:
282:
168:
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Carts are always themed, with no restriction on the theme from the organising committee. Regularly chosen themes include:
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concerned that the new timing could affect the ability of clubs to participate in other local carnival processions –
192:
21:
359:'Ghost Ship (Deliver Us)' by Gremlins CC, Burnham on Sea Carnival 2006. Winner of six prizes at Bridgwater including the
200:
Effigies or "guys" representing the gunpowder plot instigators were added to the fire by local groups of people known as
1173:
1168:
144:
622:
298:. Public access grandstands were introduced in the mid-1990s, which have increased in popularity over recent years.
547:
234:, which featured most of the clubs in the previous years carnivals, enter with walking entries on a smaller route.
250:
In addition to the carnival procession, the tradition of "squibbing" still occurs after the procession ends. A
26:
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Bridgwater now attracts around 150,000 people from around the West Country, UK and globally. Parking from the
672:
107:
95:
50:
136:
124:
602:
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276:
111:
64:
449:
87:
1152:
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568:
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Uniquely in the West Country, the vehicles are called carts, unlike other carnivals where the term
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on 5 November 1605. After the failure of the Gunpowder Plot, Parsons was key in corresponding with
128:
427:
396:
25:'Jubilation' was a cart jointly built by several Somerset carnival clubs that took part in the
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1117:
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327:
149:
91:
73:
1007:
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484:
472:
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335:
782:
God's Secret Agents; Elizabeth's Forbidden Priests and the Hatching of the Gunpowder Plot
1071:, written by Chris Hocking who was president of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee
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512:. There is also a series of individual carnivals not part of any circuit, including
294:
is well sign posted and plentiful, and managed by the committee in association with
756:
153:
42:
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Carts being prepared by their clubs before the Weston-super-Mare carnival in 2022
543:
The Marina Sydenham JCC's cart for 2016 with an illuminated tractor and generator
581:
531:
In 2020, all the carnival circuits were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
521:
488:
435:
423:
807:
468:
443:
439:
227:
177:
157:
115:
83:
77:
916:
652:
608:
453:
431:
388:
340:
72:
The timing of the West Country Carnival close to the British celebration of
222:
In 2020 and 2021, the procession featuring carts was cancelled due to the
76:
on 5 November is no coincidence, as the roots of the original carnival in
685:
644:
517:
392:
291:
207:
The local people who dressed up and took part in the event were known as
132:
655:
troupes, and charity collectors who take donations from the spectators.
640:
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408:
400:
181:
140:
1028:
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at the Cornhill. Built out of a large wooden boat, around one hundred
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to provide entertainment for visitors from mid-day on carnival day.
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63:
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Scenes or themes from around the world — such as Australia,
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on the following Monday; the last carnival in the whole circuit
102:, a short distance from Bridgwater. Parsons and his colleagues
671:
Carts or floats are built by local clubs (CC), which as local
601:
Travel and transport — such as cars or trains, e.g., The
215:- terms still used today to describe the parade participants.
185:
86:
is the character most associated with the plot to blow up the
1057:
941:
1040:
508:
There is one unofficial carnival in the circuit, held at
286:
People watching Bridgwater Carnival from the grandstands.
467:
Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association Circuit
370:
Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association Circuit
326:
The Bridgwater carnival had traditionally been held on
1069:"Remember Remember". The Story of Bridgwater Carnival
963:
Sadler, Mark (September 2010). "It's Carnival time".
379:
East Devon Circuit: the first Saturday in September,
29:
in London and several West Country carnivals in 2022
172:'Thriller' by Shambles CC, Bridgwater Carnival 2017
779:
1008:"Somerset Guy Fawkes Carnivals announce new days"
49:of 1605. The purpose is to raise money for local
721:"Failed gunpowder plot sparks carnival history"
573:Favourite children's characters — such as
1075:Somerset Carnivals: A Celebration of 400 Years
614:The future or exploration — such as space
16:Annual celebration in the English West Country
1002:
1000:
8:
749:"History of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival"
607:Popular themes of the day — including
580:Scenes or themes from history — like
143:in the creation and implementation of the
123:of 1588, both plots to replace Protestant
1209:Festivals established in the 17th century
985:. Carnivals in Somerset Promotion Project
944:. Carnivals In Somerset Promotion Project
942:"Carnivals In Somerset Promotion Project"
1088:"Bridgwater with and without the 'e' " '
551:Masquerader at Weston-Super-Mare in 2022
452:held on the last Saturday in September;
835:, London, 2002, Author's Note, pg. xv.
743:
741:
701:
37:are an annual celebration featuring a
715:
713:
711:
709:
707:
705:
639:Today these carts are driven by farm
567:Popular children's books — like
7:
1189:Recurring events established in 1605
617:Popular films or musicals - such as
45:. The celebration dates back to the
41:of illuminated carts in the English
1077:, Roger Evans & Peter Nichols,
448:South Somerset Federation Circuit:
491:the day after on the Saturday and
180:celebrations consisted of a large
114:, who wanted to put an end to the
14:
471:on the first Friday in November;
259:present-day squibs have no bang.
68:Prattens Carnival Club float 1988
1184:Carnivals in the United Kingdom
691:Festivals in the United Kingdom
475:the day after on the Saturday;
1204:1605 establishments in England
35:West Country Carnival Circuits
1:
363:for the overall champion cart
139:over the authority of use of
90:, however the instigator was
1127:Somerset in the Age of Steam
1029:Somerset Carnivals: homepage
808:"Gunpowder Plot Timeline: 3"
483:on the following Wednesday;
489:Glastonbury & Chilkwell
414:Wessex Grand Prix Circuit:
145:Jacobean Oath of Allegiance
1225:
341:Sedgemoor District Council
1114:Bridgwater Victorian Days
487:on the following Friday;
479:on the following Monday;
156:towns were predominantly
1199:Annual events in England
1116:, Philip James Squibbs,
1058:http://www.cispp.org.uk/
833:Terror and Faith in 1605
296:Avon and Somerset Police
27:Platinum Jubilee Pageant
1101:A History of Bridgwater
1010:. BBC News. 25 May 2010
921:Cavaliers Carnival Club
375:The four circuits are:
246:Squibbing at Bridgwater
1153:BBC Somerset: Carnival
851:Hugh Ross Williamson,
831:, The Gunpowder Plot,
668:
552:
544:
364:
287:
247:
197:
173:
125:Elizabeth I of England
69:
30:
1179:Festivals in Somerset
866:"Google Drive Viewer"
778:Hogge, Alice (2005).
666:
603:Chattanooga Choo-Choo
550:
542:
358:
306:Heritage Lottery Fund
285:
277:Notting Hill Carnival
245:
195:
171:
67:
24:
1041:"Somerset Carnivals"
896:Guy Fawkes Carnivals
810:. Gunpowder-Plot.org
759:on 28 September 2007
88:Houses of Parliament
1174:Culture in Somerset
1169:History of Somerset
1140:Everyone's A Winner
753:Bridgwater Carnival
569:Alice in Wonderland
129:Mary Queen of Scots
80:date back to 1605.
983:"CISPP objectives"
853:The Gunpowder Plot
669:
553:
545:
499:Circuit from 2012:
397:Budleigh Salterton
365:
361:"Hardy Spicer Cup"
288:
248:
198:
174:
70:
31:
1129:, Peter Stanier,
1103:, J.C. Lawrence,
786:. HarperCollins.
627:Starlight Express
493:Weston-super-Mare
224:COVID-19 Pandemic
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1052:
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1020:
1019:
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995:
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979:
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972:
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938:
932:
931:
929:
927:
913:
907:
906:
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888:
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881:
879:
877:
868:. Archived from
862:
856:
849:
843:
826:
820:
819:
817:
815:
804:
798:
797:
785:
775:
769:
768:
766:
764:
755:. Archived from
745:
736:
735:
733:
731:
717:
535:Carts and floats
351:Carnival circuit
322:Calendar changes
313:Carnival concert
1224:
1223:
1219:
1218:
1217:
1215:
1214:
1213:
1159:
1158:
1149:
1142:, Brendon Hill.
1090:, Roger Evans,
1065:
1055:
1045:
1043:
1039:
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1023:
1013:
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1006:
1005:
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988:
986:
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976:
962:
961:
957:
947:
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914:
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890:
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872:on 5 March 2016
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863:
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813:
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777:
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746:
739:
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719:
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699:
682:
661:
537:
526:South Petherton
514:Blandford Forum
510:Midsomer Norton
473:North Petherton
353:
336:North Petherton
324:
315:
269:
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166:
62:
17:
12:
11:
5:
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1147:External links
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659:Carnival clubs
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596:Rio de Janeiro
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557:carnival float
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477:Burnham-on-Sea
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405:Ottery St Mary
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232:Burnhum-On-Sea
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127:with catholic
121:Spanish Armada
104:Edmund Campion
96:Robert Parsons
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47:Gunpowder Plot
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328:Bonfire night
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304:In 2010, the
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176:The original
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150:Bonfire night
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137:Thomas Morton
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108:Ralph Emerson
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100:Nether Stowey
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74:Bonfire Night
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28:
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1063:Bibliography
1056:
1044:. Retrieved
1035:
1024:
1012:. Retrieved
987:. Retrieved
977:
968:
965:Mendip Times
964:
958:
946:. Retrieved
936:
924:. Retrieved
920:
911:
899:. Retrieved
895:
886:
874:. Retrieved
870:the original
860:
852:
847:
832:
824:
812:. Retrieved
802:
781:
773:
761:. Retrieved
757:the original
752:
728:. Retrieved
725:BBC Somerset
724:
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267:Modern times
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209:Masqueraders
208:
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82:
71:
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43:West Country
34:
32:
18:
971:(1): 38–39.
926:17 November
917:"Squibbing"
901:15 November
892:"Squibbing"
814:11 November
763:17 November
730:17 November
582:Prehistoric
522:South Brent
436:Castle Cary
424:Shaftesbury
1194:Bridgwater
1163:Categories
989:18 January
876:21 January
697:References
598:or Spanish
588:or famous
577:characters
469:Bridgwater
450:Wellington
444:Warminster
440:Trowbridge
428:Gillingham
228:Bridgwater
178:Bridgwater
164:Bridgwater
158:Protestant
154:South West
116:Protestant
84:Guy Fawkes
78:Bridgwater
948:25 August
673:charities
653:majorette
619:War Horse
611:or dances
609:pop songs
586:Victorian
502:Saturday.
454:Ilminster
432:Wincanton
389:Axminster
238:Squibbing
112:Catholics
51:charities
686:Carnival
680:See also
645:megawatt
641:tractors
518:Melksham
393:Sidmouth
213:Features
133:James VI
634:tableau
590:Battles
462:Taunton
409:Honiton
401:Exmouth
385:Colyton
182:bonfire
141:St Paul
94:priest
60:History
1155:, 2009
1133:
1120:
1107:
1094:
1081:
1046:3 July
1014:25 May
855:, 1951
839:
790:
575:Disney
381:Seaton
92:Jesuit
39:parade
485:Wells
458:Chard
420:Frome
252:squib
202:gangs
110:were
98:from
1131:ISBN
1118:ISBN
1105:ISBN
1092:ISBN
1079:ISBN
1048:2008
1016:2010
991:2014
950:2010
928:2007
903:2011
878:2014
837:ISBN
816:2010
788:ISBN
765:2007
732:2007
625:and
416:Mere
230:and
106:and
33:The
211:or
186:tar
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999:^
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