Westcotts sponsor 2024 Bridgwater Carnival Squibbing event

Squibbing is unique to Bridgwater and is thought to date back to the early 1600s, although the first recorded evidence of it happening in the town was in 1716.

It is by definition the simultaneous firing of lots of large fireworks, and nowhere else in the world stages such an amazing spectacle.

The squib itself is a large firework, strapped to a cosh (a solid block of wood which is attached to a large pole).

The squibbers hold the squib at arm’s length above their head with the firework facing towards the sky, and nowadays approximately 200 carnivalites line the town’s High Street after the carnival procession every year and light their squibs at the same time.

Westcotts, who have offices in the town’s Castle Street, has this week agreed to become the official 2024 sponsor for the squibbing display, which will bring the carnival celebrations to an end after this year’s carnival procession on Saturday November 2.

This year's show is already sold out. Tara Bell, from Westcotts said: “Supporting the local community where we live and work is very important to us.

"We are absolutely delighted to team up with Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival this year and play a small part in making sure residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the historic squibbing display.

“The carnival has a massive impact on the town and the county, and we do hope everybody involved in this year’s carnival activities has a very safe and successful year."

Dave Creedy, chairman and squibbing officer for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival said: “We are thrilled Westcotts have become the latest sponsor of our 2024 carnival, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support and kindness.”

"Every year the carnival procession and the squibbing display gets bigger and more impressive and if it wasn’t for the generosity of companies such as Westcotts, then our carnival would not be as popular as it is.”