BRIDGWATER Guy Fawkes Carnival has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following the sad news of her death on Thursday afternoon.

Carnival clubs came together to create the Jubilation cart for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant in June – an event they have looked back on fondly in recent days.

The cart celebrated the splendour of the monarchy and featured the Crown, Beefeaters, and the royal coat of arms. 

The Queen died “peacefully” at Balmoral Castle on Thursday, September 8, hours after doctors became concerned for her health.

A spokesperson for the carnival committee said: “Everybody associated with Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is saddened by the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

”We extend our sincere condolences to The Royal Family.

”Despite the great sadness of the passing of Her Majesty, we all feel very proud and privileged to have been able to celebrate her long reign and dedicated service in the way we did in June at the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

”Our fitting tribute during the Pageant Parade seems even more appropriate at this time.

”It was an honour and privilege to have been part of that occasion and it will remain a very proud moment for everyone involved and for Bridgwater Carnival, our Somerset Carnivals, and Bridgwater itself.”

In May 1987, the Queen became the first reigning monarch to visit Bridgwater in 300 years when she came with Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh. 

During their visit, the Duke spoke to Bridgwater Carnival president Stan Bown, who wore his official carnival tie for the occasion.

Mr Bown said: “He was very interested in the carnival and asked me when it would be held this year.

“When I told him it was always the Thursday nearest to Guy Fawkes night, he said, ‘That must be a rather damp night.”

On Sunday, September 11, local dignitaries and council members were joined by members of the public in King Square for the Proclamation of the Queen's death and King Charles III's accession to the throne.

People from the town have also left floral tributes to the Queen in the grounds of St Mary's Church and King Square.