One of the country’s best loved annual events is set to return to the streets in 2022 after a two year pause for the pandemic.

The popular Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, which has the reputation for being one of the largest illuminated processions in Europe, will take place on Saturday 5th November and preparations are already underway to make sure it is the biggest and best yet.

Every year the carnival attracts tens of thousands of people to Somerset from all over the country and the world. It raises a huge amount of money for charities and good causes, and also makes a big contribution to the local economy.

Tickets for the event’s popular all seater grandstands which line the carnival procession route have this year been sponsored by EDF’s Hinkley Point B and will be available to order from Friday, April 1. Costing £21 each (the same as the 2019 price), tickets will be available online from Bridgwater Carnival’s official website shop (www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk), or from the Carnival Centre, High Street, Bridgwater. Tickets may be more limited this year due to the ever increasing prices of hiring the grandstands, so if you want a ticket the advice would be to order
early.

Also available are the 2022 Bridgwater Carnival hospitality packages. Costing £52 per person (again no increase on the 2019 price), the package includes a grandstand seat, reserved parking, a hot meal and a drink, and a souvenir programme. Numbers are limited, and packages can be booked from Bridgwater Carnival’s official website shop (www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk).

Both tickets for the grandstands and the hospitality packages are covered by a special book for confidence policy, whereby refunds will be given if this year’s event is cancelled as a result of the pandemic.

Dave Croker, Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Chairman, said:

“I am absolutely delighted Bridgwater Carnival is back this year, and I really cannot wait for it to begin. It’s always a very special night when the carnival comes to town, and to feel that excitement, atmosphere and enjoyment once again after so long will be a joy to behold.”

Dave added: “The pandemic has been difficult for us all in so many different ways, and it has had a big impact on both the carnival committee and entrants in terms of fundraising and cash flow. However, we are absolutely determined to put on a special show for 2022, and bring the smiles back to everybody’s faces.

The carnivals will take place on the following dates:

 Bridgwater – Saturday 5 November, 6pm start

 Burnham on Sea – Monday 7 November, 7.30pm start

 Weston Super Mare – Friday 11 November, 7pm start

 North Petherton – Saturday 12 November, 7.30pm start

 Shepton Mallet – Wednesday 16 November, 7.30pm start

 Wells – Friday 18 November, 7pm start

 Glastonbury – Saturday 19 November, 7pm start

 Midsomer Norton (associate) – Monday 14 November, 7.30pm start