The 2024 Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival celebrations will start with a bang at a ‘Grand Firework Display’ on Friday, November 1.

Sponsored by Bridgwater Town Council and supported by Somerset Council, the traditional carnival curtain raiser event will take place at St Matthew’s Field (TA6 7HD).

The glittering fireworks display, which starts at 7.30pm, has proved popular in the past with spectators and has been well supported by people in and around the Sedgemoor area.

The build up to the fireworks display will start at 3.30pm, with other attractions at St Matthew’s Field to entertain the family, including a handful of fairground rides kindly provided by the world famous Chipperfield family.

Local school children from Otterhampton Primary, Hamp Academy, Polden Bower, Northgate Primary and Spaxton Primary will also be getting in on the fun on the evening by taking part in a special lantern parade, starting at 7.15pm from Westfield Church before progressing into St Matthews Field itself.

The children will be carrying lanterns which they have made during workshops delivered by Sally Mann from Fuse Performance and using wet strength tissue paper, withies, bamboo poles and LED lights. This year’s lantern parade has kindly been sponsored by Dainton Self Storage, Bristol Road, Bridgwater.

Dave Croker, Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival President, said: “The Grand Fireworks Display marks the beginning of the 2024 Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival celebrations, and the excitement and anticipation will increase as we countdown the hours to the start of the illuminated carnival procession the following night.”

“This organised fireworks display and lantern parade is always a big spectacle, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bridgwater Town Council, Somerset Council and Dainton Self Storage for their continued help and support. We really do appreciate it.”

Bridgwater town councillor and Somerset Council carnival representative, Gill Slocombe, said: “We are extremely proud that Bridgwater is the home to the oldest carnival in the UK, and to one of the largest illuminated processions in Europe.”

“Carnival related activities, such as the fireworks display and the carnival procession, attracts many people into the town and brings much business to the local economy. I do hope 2024 is a very safe and successful year for everyone involved.”

There will be a £7 charge for parking on St Matthew’s Field, with all proceeds raised going directly to support the running of the carnival, local charities and community groups.

Gates for parking will open at 6pm. Official collectors will also be roaming the site so those attending on foot can also make a donation. No unauthorised pedlars will be allowed into the field during the event.