BRIDGWATER was packed with eager spectators last night as the town's iconic carnival returned to the streets for the first time since 2019.

Crowds lined the streets from Bath Road to Mount Street for the illuminated carnival procession, which saw 46 carts take part.

The procession was led by ‘Jubilation’, a cart built by over 200 people from 17 carnival clubs to take part in the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant in June. 

It was a successful night for Ramblers CC, who took home a handful of awards including the Ker Cup for the top local feature cart with their ‘I Wanna Rock’ entry.

Wills CC won the Bryer Cup for the best local tableau cart with ‘At The Museum’, placing them ahead of Centurion CC's effort with ‘Qingzhu’.

Renegades CC were crowned winners of the Hardy Spicer Championship Cup for the first time after earning the highest combined number of points in the procession and carnival concerts.

The Marina Sydenham Juvenile CC saw off close competition to win the Juvenile class, while Newmarket CC's entry was named the best comic feature cart.

Bridgwater Mercury: The night was brought to its spectacular finale with the squibbing display.The night was brought to its spectacular finale with the squibbing display. (Image: Steve Richardson)

A total of 205 people took part in a squibbing display in the town's High Street, which was “full” of spectators from around 10.10pm in anticipation of the unique spectacle.

Dave Stokes, publicity director for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, said: “It really was very special to see Bridgwater Carnival finally back on the streets of the town. 

“We had a bumper crowd with the town brimming to capacity, and the excitement and atmosphere from the watching thousands was something to behold.

“The standard of all entries was extremely high, and we must take this opportunity to thank the clubs and all other entries for putting on such a magnificent show.

“In the meantime, we look forward to Bridgwater Carnival 2023 which takes place on Saturday, November 4.”

Anyone who was not able to donate cash while the procession was taking place can support the official Bridgwater Carnival Charity via text messages or online. 

Supporters can text BGFC to 70085 to donate £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10.

They can also help the charity by visiting www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk and clicking the donate button. 

This year's Bridgwater Carnival souvenir DVD, featuring a documentary by BBC Radio Somerset's Andy Bennett about ‘Jubilation’, will be available to purchase from November 12/13. 

It will cost £15 and will be available from the Bridgwater Carnival website and the carnival centre located in the town hall complex (High Street).

The carnival has launched an official survey to allow attendees to share their thoughts on the experience.

Every person who completes the survey will be entered into a prize draw, and the five five pulled out of the hat will win a 2022 Bridgwater Carnival DVD. 

To take part in the survey, visit www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk.