A once seen, never forgotten Somerset Spectacular

The first time I witnessed a carnival blew my mind.  It's a multi-sensory feast, so colourful, vibrant, energetic, and bursting with a unique atmosphere.  They are a combination of night-time street processions, fairgrounds, street food and grand firework displays.  The ancient tradition can be traced back to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.  Bridgwater Carnival lays claim to being the UK's oldest carnival and one of the largest illuminated carnival processions in Europe, often fetching crowds of 100,000.

The night-time processions include a huge mixture of participants.  From individual walking entries to walking bands, the majorettes, small vehicles through to the huge, mechanised floats.  Whilst you have to applaud the incredible effort individuals have gone to in making their amazing outfits and enjoy the live music and entertainment it's the huge 'floats' that will blow your mind.

Somerset carnival floats (carts to the traditionalists) come in a variety of sizes, some as large as 100 feet long.  These floats are designed and built by carnival clubs all around the county.  Taking months to complete, these really are a labour of love and can cost thousands of pounds to produce.  Each float is so unique, having their own theme.  They are covered in thousands of light bulbs and often feature moving parts. Carnival club members ride on the floats in fancy dress, often dancing/juggling/singing to pounding music.  Such a spectacle.

All the entries in the procession are judged and prizes awarded at each event for various categories.  A Somerset carnival can easily last for a couple of hours, depending on the number of entries - there are a few of the smaller towns which have challenging routes/streets, preventing the biggest floats from joining in.  Tens of thousands of people line the streets to watch these very special Somerset carnivals.While the events are free to attend, they are designed to raise money for local causes. If you fancy experiencing one of the Somerset carnivals, please take some change with you. And do remember to take some warm clothing (preferably with a pocket for a hip flask).This has got to be on everyone's bucket list - come to Somerset and experience one of the brilliant carnivals that take place between now and mid-November - you won't regret it.

Happy carnivalling!