Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival

The origins of Bridgwater’s annual carnival can be traced back to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 when Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators, failed in their attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. That story is well known to everyone, but what is not so widely acknowledged is that it was King James 1st and his parliament who decreed that the events of 5 November should be commemorated annually with the lighting of bonfires, a tradition which is celebrated across the nation to this very day.

Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is like no other and attracts visitors from across the country to witness the spectacular carts and costumes.