PEOPLE travelled from as far away as Canada and Spain to attend Bridgwater Carnival upon its long-awaited return, and it's clear to see why.

From 5.55pm, Bridgwater was declared “full” - including its park and rides - as people flocked to the town to watch an event 1,099 days in the making. 

The carnival is a truly unique spectacle, from the dozens of glorious feats of engineering weaving through the town, accompanied by energetic performers savouring their moment, to the shower of sparks created by the squibbing display.

It's no wonder some punters were spotted in their chosen viewing spot, blankets at the ready, at least four hours before the procession began.

What stood out to spectators taking it all in from the side of the road is the sheer dedication and hard work of hundreds of people to make the carnival possible.

That was clear from the very start of the procession, when the ‘Jubilation’ cart - made famous by its appearance in the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Parade - made its welcome homecoming to the town that brought it to life.

Bridgwater Mercury: A grandstand crowd watches the Bridgwater Carnival procession.A grandstand crowd watches the Bridgwater Carnival procession. (Image: Steve Richardson)

Griffens Carnival Club's cast and road crew did an excellent job leading the cart through the 1.7-mile route, whetting the appetite for the judged entries, but it's worth remembering that around 200 people from 17 clubs had a part to play in its creation.

While its showing in London was carried out in the afternoon sunshine, its night-time journey in Bridgwater saw it fully lit up, showcasing its splendour. 

Patience can be a virtue during the evening (particularly if you set up camp near the end of the route) but seeing each cart on the horizon makes it all worthwhile.

Few would envy the work of the 66 judges tasked with choosing the winners given the high standards across the board, with plenty of intricate designs, well-engineered moving parts and clever choreography vying for their attention.

Once the procession ended (a little later than expected due to a quickly dealt with cart breakdown), thousands of people made their way to High Street for many people's carnival highlight: The squibbing display. 

In total, 205 people donned their PPE and raised their squibs above their heads to create a sight like no other, representing another mammoth organisational effort.

The result is nothing short of spectacular as sparks fly from two lines before a thick, eerie cloud descends and quickly clears, bringing another carnival to a close.

Like everything else, the carnival is facing inflation, with an estimate earlier this year suggesting clubs could face costs of £10,000 this year. 

Carnival supporters - whether they watched from the streets or from their living rooms - are encouraged to give what they can to support its future.