UK’s oldest carnival’s timings, parking, weather and squibbing

The UK’s oldest carnival is returning this weekend, when more than 150,000 are expected to descend on the area.

This year’s Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, which has been running since 1847, will feature an illuminated procession, fairground rides, concerts and fireworks.

The event is set to take place on Saturday – and below, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know ahead of the celebration.

Stages will be set up across five areas throughout the town where the public can see everything from circus acts, dance tropes and choirs.

The High Street Performance Area, Cornhill Stage and Angel Place Shopping Centre’s acts will start at 10:30 GMT.

St Mary’s Church stage will begin at 11:15 with a performance by the Somerset Songbirds, while the town centre will also host entertainment – including children’s fairground rides.

The carnival parade will wind through the town’s streets after sunset.

People have been urged to arrive at about 18:00 GMT at the A39 end of Bath Road, with the procession setting off at about 18:15.

It will finish on Mount Street at about 19:50 and will follow the same route it took last year – see the procession map here.

At the end, a squibbing display will be set off in the High Street.

Squibbing, where lit fireworks are tied to poles and held above the squibber’s head until the squib goes out, is unique to the Somerset town.

About 150 “squibbers” are involved, typically members of carnival clubs.

The squibbers line the Bridgwater High Street and all light their squibs at the same time.

This creates one great long trail of fire – a unique display that has lit up carnival night in Bridgwater for centuries.

Roads will start closing at 13:00. After this time access to the town is likely to be congested so people have been urged to arrive early.

There are nine official carnival car parks and you can find where they are on the map here and on the carnival app.

Mr John Jakes, the publicity director for Bridgwater Carnival, told BBC Radio Somerset the Bridgwater Hospital car park, listed as the 10th car park on the map, is no longer in operation.

Carnival Park and Rides will also be fully operational from 14:00 to 23:30 at J23 and J24. The car park closes at midnight.

You do not need to buy a ticket unless you wish to sit in a grandstand seat or purchase a hospitality package.

Grandstand tickets cost £30 each.

Organisers have said the carnival will go ahead whatever the weather.

The forecast currently predicts a bright day, with highs of 14C (57F) and lows of 8C (46F).

Remember to check the BBC weather app before you go – it’s definitely now coat, gloves and hat season.