The 2024 Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival season kicks off with the spectacular Friday Fireworks on Friday 1 November followed by Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival on Saturday 2 November.

Duncan White, Event Safety Director (ESD) for the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the large team of volunteers work together to manage safety for Bridgwater’s biggest night of the year.

As event organisers, it's our responsibility to do everything we can to safeguard ourselves, the participants, and the thousands of spectators who flock to the town annually to experience the magic of our carnival.

However, we also need the cooperation of everyone attending to ensure their safety while looking out for the well-being of others, especially children and young people. Certain areas along the procession route, like the High Street, are quite narrow, and these sections tend to attract the most spectators. That’s why it’s crucial to pay special attention to safety in these crowded areas.

We ask for your help in educating first-time visitors about potential challenges based on where they choose to view the parade. Not everyone can stand for extended periods, and we understand that chairs can make waiting more comfortable.

However, chairs are not suitable in densely packed areas as they take up valuable space—one chair occupies the same space as three people. You may be asked to stand and fold up your chair when the procession begins to help ease crowd congestion. There are designated areas along the route, like Mount Street, where chairs can be used without affecting crowd safety.

Our simultaneous squibbing display is a unique and thrilling spectacle, but it does come with risks, and attendance is at your discretion. No chairs, pushchairs, buggies, or young children are permitted in the High Street during the squibbing event, and marshals will direct families with children to safer viewing points at either end of the High Street—either near the Squibber statue at the top of Fore Street or outside The Abbey.

We owe a great deal of gratitude to our dedicated volunteer marshals, who return year after year to help keep everyone safe. Their job becomes even harder when people don’t follow safety instructions.

A marshal will only ask you to move if you’re in a dangerous spot or if they need to clear space for an emergency vehicle – they’re not being difficult but following instructions from the Procession Director. Please show respect to our marshals and work with them to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all.

Here are a few important reminders:

  • Keep children on the pavement.
  • If you are using a chair, be ready to stand and fold it up once the procession starts.
  • Squibbing is dangerous—families and individuals with mobility issues should view the display from the ends of High Street.

Enjoy Bridgwater Carnival 2024 and stay safe!