Guy Fawkes Carnivals Tour Somerset 2005

[13/09/2005]

The spectacular Guy Fawkes Carnivals Tour Somerset 2005 marks the Gunpowder Plot 400th Anniversary.

Between 4 and 14 November Somerset comes alive with a dazzling spectacle of sound and light as the illuminated Guy Fawkes carnivals slowly wind their way along the main streets of major towns. With their glittering processions around two miles in length, the annual carnivals are the most spectacular events in the county's calendar. And they are free to watch!

This year marks the 400th anniversary of Guy Fawkes, attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605, which will be celebrated at the carnivals. References to the Somerset carnivals date back to 1857 while they were officially recognised in 1881, over 120 years ago. The only time the carnivals stopped was during World Wars I and II.

The Guy Fawkes carnival season is launched at Bridgwater with the first glittering procession of over 120 entries on Friday 4th November moving through the town centre. It then travels to North Petherton on Saturday 5th and Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea on Monday 7th.

From here the circuit moves inland lighting up the autumn sky across Mendip visiting Shepton Mallet on Wednesday 9th, Wells on the Friday 11th and Glastonbury on Saturday 12th. The final carnival is further up the coast at Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset on Monday 14th November.

The evening processions form a moving vision of light, music and drama with over a hundred sparkling floats, or carts, up to 100ft long, 11ft wide and 17ft high. Each is a riot of brilliant colour and sound in the dazzling light of thousands of light bulbs. These vibrant processions can take over two hours to pass any point on the crowd-lined routes with a wealth of entertainment to keep the whole family amused.

Entries vary from single pedestrians in costume to immense floats costing up to £40,000 towed by decorated tractors and illuminated by up to 25,000 light bulbs. Some present ‘all singing all dancing, themes; others opt for elegant waxwork type tableaux where not a muscle moves throughout the procession. There is tremendous rivalry between them as they compete for carnival trophies.

Many months of planning are put into the designs which are created by local carnival clubs under great secrecy to maintain an element of surprise on the night. The specially designed floats are known as ‘carts, after the original horse-drawn farm vehicles which, many years ago, were decorated and brought into the towns. In addition to providing an excellent night,s entertainment, the events raise funds for local charities and other organisations.

The carnivals provide a unique occasion for short breaks in the county. At the same time, many towns host other free events such as street entertainment, band concerts and grand firework displays. There are also distinctive towns and charming villages to explore as well as the beautiful, varied countryside.

For further information and assistance with accommodation contact the Somerset Tourist Information Centre nearest the carnival of your choice.

Carnival Date/Time Nearest TIC Telephone No:
Shepton Mallet Wed 9 November 7pm Shepton Mallet 01749 345258
Glastonbury Sat 12 November 7.30pm Glastonbury 01458 832954
Wells Fri 11 November 7pm Wells 01749 672552