The West Country Carnivals are a parade celebration with floats (termed "carts" locally), based in the English West Country; that goes back 400 years to the Gun Powder Plot of 1605. United States Marines on parade. ... A float is a decorated platform, either built on a vehicle or towed behind one, which is a component of many festive parades, such as the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tournament of Roses Parade. ... Motto: (French for God and my right) Anthem: Multiple unofficial anthems Capital London Largest city London Official language(s) English (de facto) Government Constitutional monarchy  - Queen Queen Elizabeth II  - Prime Minister Tony Blair MP Unification    - by Athelstan AD 927  Area    - Total 130,395 km² (1st in UK)   50,346 sq... The West Country is an informal area of southwestern England, roughly corresponding to the administrative region South West England. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... 1605 was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 10-day slower Julian calendar). ...

The series of parades in each town now form a major regional festival, and the largest light festival in Europe. Some carts cost in excess of £20,000 to build and are the result of thousands of man hours work throughout the year. The whole parade creates a unique and spectacular extravaganza. World map showing Europe Political map (neighbouring countries in Asia and Africa also shown) Europe is one of the seven traditional continents of the Earth. ... A float is a decorated platform, either built on a vehicle or towed behind one, which is a component of many festive parades, such as the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tournament of Roses Parade. ...

The events purpose, as it has always been from the start, raises thousands of pounds for local charities from money collection carts in the two hour procession. A charitable organization (also known as a charity) is a trust, company or unincorporated association established for charitable purposes only. ...

History

The timing of the West Country Carnival close to the British celebration of Bonfire night is no coincidence, as the roots of the original carnival in Bridgwater date back to 1605 Bonfire Night can refer to a number of occasions: St. ... Statistics Population: 36,563 (2001 census) Ordnance Survey OS grid reference: ST305370 Administration District: Sedgemoor Shire county: Somerset Region: South West England Constituent country: England Sovereign state: United Kingdom Other Ceremonial county: Somerset Historic county: Somerset Services Police force: Avon and Somerset Police Ambulance service: South Western Post office and... 1605 was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 10-day slower Julian calendar). ...

Guy Fawkes is the character most associated with the plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament, however the instigator was Jesuit priest Robert Parsons from Nether Stowey, a short distance from Bridgwater. Parsons and his colleagues were Catholics who wanted to put an end to the Protestant parliament of the day and hence they planned their ill-fated attempt on 5 November 1605. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... This may refer to the: British Houses of Parliament. ... Seal of the Society of Jesus. ... Robert Parsons (sometimes spelled Persons) (born June 24, 1546, Nether Stowey, Somerset, England, died April 15, 1610, Rome) was a Jesuit priest of equal contemporary fame with Edmund Campion. ... Nether Stowey is a small village in Somerset, South West England. ... Protestantism is a general grouping of denominations within Christianity. ... November 5 is the 309th day of the year (310th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 56 days remaining. ... 1605 was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 10-day slower Julian calendar). ...

Bonfire night is a major annual celebration across the whole of the UK, but it is likely that the reason that the West Country Carnival was originally so keenly celebrated is that the South West towns were predominantly Protestant - hence the celebration of Robert Parsons (and Guy Fawkes) failure. The religious origins of the event are almost forgotten and far less significant today Bonfire Night can refer to a number of occasions: St. ... The West Country is an informal area of southwestern England, roughly corresponding to the administrative region South West England. ... Protestantism is a general grouping of denominations within Christianity. ... Robert Parsons (sometimes spelled Persons) (born June 24, 1546, Nether Stowey, Somerset, England, died April 15, 1610, Rome) was a Jesuit priest of equal contemporary fame with Edmund Campion. ...

Bridgwater

The original Bridgwater celebrations consisted of a large bonfire at the Cornhill. Built out of a large wooden boat, around one hundred tar barrels where added together with just about anything else available which could be burned. This tradition was stopped due to lack of old wooden boats to burn, and because a number of good boats were thrown onto the fire and burnt by over-enthusiastic revellers

Effigies or "guys" representing the gunpowder plot instigators were added to the fire by local groups of people known as gangs. It would seem it was these gangs who started the trend towards a procession, as they paraded their guys towards the bonfire. As years passed by, the tradition was continued and the annual celebration became more and more elaborate, involving costumes and music, until the key feature of the event was a large carnival procession.

The local people who dressed up and took part in the event were known as "Masqueraders" or "Features" - terms still used today to describe the parade participants.

There were no parades during World War II, but a local carnival enthusiast Ted Lockyer walked the carnival route for six years to keep the tradition going. Combatants Major Allied powers: United Kingdom Soviet Union United States Republic of China and others Major Axis powers: Nazi Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Harry Truman Chiang Kai-Shek Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tojo Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead...

Squibbing

In addition to the carnival procession, the tradition of "squibbing" still occurs after the procession ends. A squib locally is a firework which is held aloft by a person known as a "squibber" on the end of a long wooden handle called a "cosh". One hundred squibbers stand in line in Bridgwater town centre making an unusual but impressive sight for visitors who crowd the High Street A squib is a small explosive device which has a wide range of uses, such as generating mechanical forces as well as in pyrotechnic use. ... Statistics Population: 36,563 (2001 census) Ordnance Survey OS grid reference: ST305370 Administration District: Sedgemoor Shire county: Somerset Region: South West England Constituent country: England Sovereign state: United Kingdom Other Ceremonial county: Somerset Historic county: Somerset Services Police force: Avon and Somerset Police Ambulance service: South Western Post office and...

Originally the squibs were made specially for Bridgwater Carnival and were known as the Bridgwater Squib, which culminated with a large bang as each squib extinguishes. With modern Health and Safety concerns, it has become difficult to purchase squibs with a bang, and inlight of rising insurance costs the present day squib's used have no bang

Lines of flammable liquid are also run along the ground by the squibbers and lit to add more to the spectacle. Visitors often think the whole sight looks a little dangerous, but the event is well organised and nobody has been hurt to date

Modern Times

The Bridgwater carnival is believed to be the largest illuminated carnival in Europe, if not the world. It first modernised in 1881 and was originally lit by lamps; electric lights were first introduced in 1913 Statistics Population: 36,563 (2001 census) Ordnance Survey OS grid reference: ST305370 Administration District: Sedgemoor Shire county: Somerset Region: South West England Constituent country: England Sovereign state: United Kingdom Other Ceremonial county: Somerset Historic county: Somerset Services Police force: Avon and Somerset Police Ambulance service: South Western Post office and... World map showing Europe Political map (neighbouring countries in Asia and Africa also shown) Europe is one of the seven traditional continents of the Earth. ... 1881 (MDCCCLXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... 1913 (MCMXIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday. ...

Bridgwater carnival now consists of a display of over 100 large vehicles up to 100 feet long, festooned with dancers and up to 22,000 lightbulbs, that follows a 2.5 mile route over 2 to 3 hours. 2005 included the "Masquerade 2000" entrantants from Notting Hill Carnival, which it is hoped will become an annual entry. The official web site contains photos and video clips Statistics Population: 36,563 (2001 census) Ordnance Survey OS grid reference: ST305370 Administration District: Sedgemoor Shire county: Somerset Region: South West England Constituent country: England Sovereign state: United Kingdom Other Ceremonial county: Somerset Historic county: Somerset Services Police force: Avon and Somerset Police Ambulance service: South Western Post office and... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Carnival dancers on Ladbroke Grove. ...

Bridgwater now attracts around 150,000 people from around the West Country, UK and globally. Parking from the M5 is well sign posted and plentiful, and managed by the committee in association with Avon and Somerset Police. Public access Grandstands were introduced in the mid 1990's, which have increased in popularity over recent years: 2003 & 2004 being sold out by mid/late October. Since 2004 there have been 10 grandstands, with seating numbered and having some cover against the potential of inclement weather. The stand locations in 2006 are located at: Broadway East (8); and Broadway West (2) Statistics Population: 36,563 (2001 census) Ordnance Survey OS grid reference: ST305370 Administration District: Sedgemoor Shire county: Somerset Region: South West England Constituent country: England Sovereign state: United Kingdom Other Ceremonial county: Somerset Historic county: Somerset Services Police force: Avon and Somerset Police Ambulance service: South Western Post office and... Motorway symbol in UK, France and Ireland. ... Avon & Somerset Constabulary is the Home Office police force in England responsible for policing the county of Somerset and the districts of South Gloucestershire, Bristol, North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset; these districts were the now defunct county of Avon hence the forces name. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The events purposes, as it has always been from the start, raises thousands of pounds for local charities from money collection carts in the procession

Carnival concert

The carnival concert takes place in the weeks leading up to the carnival. At these concerts, carnival clubs perform on stage wearing their costumes and using pieces of scenery taken from their carts. After not being well patronised for a period, the carnival concert has become a highly popular attraction in recent years, with tickets to see the event in a Bridgwater hall selling out very quickly - partly due to increased publicity, and partly as the popularity of the carnival increases it is an easy access way to see the carnival over more days

Calendar and controversy

The Bridgwater carnival had traditionally been held on Bonfire night, or November 5th. This was then formalised in 1919 post World War I, as the carnival circuits were formed to be held on the first Thursday of November - Thursday was traditionally early closing day for shops in Bridgwater. Statistics Population: 36,563 (2001 census) Ordnance Survey OS grid reference: ST305370 Administration District: Sedgemoor Shire county: Somerset Region: South West England Constituent country: England Sovereign state: United Kingdom Other Ceremonial county: Somerset Historic county: Somerset Services Police force: Avon and Somerset Police Ambulance service: South Western Post office and... Bonfire Night can refer to a number of occasions: St. ... 1919 (MCMXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Combatants Allied Powers: France Italy Russia Serbia United Kingdom United States Central Powers: Austria-Hungary Bulgaria Germany Ottoman Empire Commanders Ferdinand Foch Georges Clemenceau Victor Emmanuel III Luigi Cadorna Nicholas II Aleksei Brusilov Herbert Henry Asquith Douglas Haig John Jellicoe Woodrow Wilson John Pershing Wilhelm II Paul von Hindenburg Reinhard...

Local Government Authorities and Businesses were keen to the reschedule the event to a weekend date - presumably to make it more convenient for visitors to attend. This has met strong resistance from many locals who believe the tradition of so many years should be maintained, and from others who are concerned that the proposed new timing could affect the ability of clubs to participate in other local carnival processions - North Petherton carnival has traditionally taken place on the following Saturday. The new timing would also spoil another local tradition known as Black Friday where locals celebrate their hard work on carnival in an alcoholic manner Map sources for North Petherton at grid reference ST2933 North Petherton is a small town in Somerset, England, situated on the edge of the eastern foothills of the Quantocks, and close to the edge of the Somerset Levels. ...

However, accepting that shops and work times in the present have changed greatly and the local economic business need, the Bridgwater Carnival Committee decided, not without much controversy, to move the Carnival to a Friday with effect from 2001. This was part of a strategy to keep the carnival alive in the long term, with the committee working with Sedgemoor District Council to provide entertainment for visitors from midday on Carnival day. It is hoped that as a result of the changed date many visitors will come earlier and stay longer, perhaps taking in some of the other Carnivals and entertainment provided locally 2001: A Space Odyssey. ... Sedgemoor is a local government district of Somerset in England. ...

The carnival circuit

The Bridgwater carnival was the first carnival of its type, however other carnival processions within the South West began some years ago. They start in late August and continue until late November. The oldest and largest circuit is the Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association Circuit which starts at Bridgwater, with many of the carts will appear in all of the carnivals. Prizes are awarded in several categories for the best carts in each carnival

The three circuits are:

• Wessex Grand Prix Circuit: Sturminster Newton, the third Thursday in August/weekend before Bank Holiday; Trowbridge; Mere; Frome; Shaftesbury; Gillingham; Castle Cary & Ansford; Wincanton; Warminster
• South Somerset Federation Of Carnival Committee Circuit: Wellington held on the last Saturday in September; Ilminster; Chard; Taunton; Yeovil
• Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association Circuit: Bridgwater on the Friday following the nearest Thursday to 5th November; North Petherton on the following Saturday; Burnham-on-Sea on the following Monday; Shepton Mallet on the following Wednesday; Wells on the following Friday; Glastonbury & Chilkwell on the following Saturday; Weston-super-Mare on the following Monday, the last carnival in the whole circuit

There is one unofficial carnival in the circuit, held at Midsomer Norton on the Thursday between the Shepton Mallet and Wells carnivals. There are also a series of unofficial Christmas carnivals, including Sidmouth The water mill on the River Stour, seen from the town bridge. ... Location within the British Isles Trowbridge is the county town of Wiltshire, England. ... A mere is a Maori war club about 12 inches (30 cm) in length. ... For the various rivers and a lake with this name, see Frome (disambiguation) Map sources for Frome at grid reference ST797538 Frome (pronounced ) is a small town in Somerset, England, near the Mendip Hills, with a population of 24,510 (2001 census). ... Location within the British Isles For other uses, see Shaftesbury (disambiguation) Shaftesbury is a town in North Dorset, England, situated on the A30 road near the Wiltshire border 20 miles west of Salisbury. ... Gillingham is a town in the Blackmore Vale area of Dorset, England. ... The market hall Castle Cary is a village in south Somerset, England, five miles north west of Wincanton and eight miles south of Shepton Mallet. ... Wincanton is a town in south Somerset, southwest England. ... This article is about the English town. ... Wellington (Te Whanganui-a-Tara or Poneke in Māori) is the capital of New Zealand, the countrys second largest urban area and the most populous national capital in Oceania. ... Ilminster is a quiet country town in the countryside of south west Somerset, England, with a population of 4,781. ... Map sources for Chard at grid reference ST3208 Chard is a town in the county of Somerset, England, situated on the A30 road near the Devon border, 15 miles south west of Yeovil. ... Statistics Population: 58,241 Ordnance Survey OS grid reference: ST228250 Administration District: Taunton Deane Shire county: Somerset Region: South West England Constituent country: England Sovereign state: United Kingdom Other Ceremonial county: Somerset Historic county: Somerset Services Police force: Avon and Somerset Constabulary Ambulance service: South Western Post office and telephone... Statistics Population: 41,871 Ordnance Survey OS grid reference: ST552164 Administration District: South Somerset Shire county: Somerset Region: South West England Constituent country: England Sovereign state: United Kingdom Other Ceremonial county: Somerset Historic county: Somerset Services Police force: Avon and Somerset Police Ambulance service: {{{Ambulance}}} Post office and telephone Post... Statistics Population: 36,563 (2001 census) Ordnance Survey OS grid reference: ST305370 Administration District: Sedgemoor Shire county: Somerset Region: South West England Constituent country: England Sovereign state: United Kingdom Other Ceremonial county: Somerset Historic county: Somerset Services Police force: Avon and Somerset Police Ambulance service: South Western Post office and... Map sources for North Petherton at grid reference ST2933 North Petherton is a small town in Somerset, England, situated on the edge of the eastern foothills of the Quantocks, and close to the edge of the Somerset Levels. ... Burnham-on-Sea is a town in Somerset, England, at the mouth of the River Parrett. ... Shepton Mallet is a small rural town in Somerset, England, situated five miles to the east of Wells and just south of the Mendip hills. ... Wells is a small city and civil parish in the Mendip district of Somerset. ... Statistics Population: 8,800 Ordnance Survey OS grid reference: ST501390 Administration District: Mendip Shire county: Somerset Region: South West England Constituent country: England Sovereign state: United Kingdom Other Ceremonial county: Somerset Historic county: Somerset Services Police force: Avon and Somerset Police Ambulance service: South Western Post office and telephone Post... Weston-super-Mare is an English seaside resort town in North Somerset, population 65,000 (1991 estimate). ... Map sources for Norton Radstock at grid reference ST6854 Norton Radstock is a small conurbation with a population of around 20,000 comprised of the twin towns of Midsomer Norton and Radstock. ... Christmas or Christmas Day is a holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity. ... Location within the British Isles Sidmouth Arms of Sidmouth Town Council Sidmouth is a small town of 14,400 on the east Devon coast in south west England about 15 miles south east of Exeter. ...

Carts and floats

Uniquely in the West Country, the vehicles are called carnival "carts", unlike other carnivals where the term carnival float is used. The term "cart" is still used today to describe the large and elaborate trailers used in the procession. Carts are built by local clubs of individuals funded totally by charitable donations and sponsorship from local businesses. Swabian-Alemannic carnival clowns in Wolfach, Germany A carnival is a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus and public street party, generally during the Carnival Season. ...

Carts are always themed, with no restriction on the theme from the organising committee. Regularly chosen themes include:

• Popular children's books - like Alice in Wonderland
• Favourite children's characters - such as Disney characters
• Scenes or themes from history - like Pre-Historic, Victorian or famous Battles
• Scenes or themes from around the world - such as Australia, Rio de Janeiro or Spanish
• Travel and transport - such as cars or trains, e.g. The Chattanooga Cho-Cho
• Popular themes of the day - including pop songs or dances
• The future or exploration - such as space

Carts include both music and costumed people to complete their theme. People and items on the cart can either be moving, or static in tableau format - the later being difficult to hold position for on a cold November evening Alice in Wonderland is the widely known and used title for Alices Adventures in Wonderland, a book written by Lewis Carroll -- as well as several movie adaptations of the book -- and is also the setting for several short stories. ... Disney may refer to: The Walt Disney Company and its divisions, including Walt Disney Pictures. ... Queen Victoria (shown here on the morning of her Ascension to the Throne, 20 June 1837) gave her name to the historic era The Victorian Era of Great Britain marked the height of the British industrial revolution and the apex of the British Empire. ... Generally, a battle is an instance of combat in warfare between two or more parties wherein each group will seek to defeat the others. ... Location of Rio de Janeiro Coordinates: Country Brazil Region Southeast State Rio de Janeiro Mayor Cesar Maia (PFL) Area    - City 1,260 km² Population    - City (2005) 5,613,000 [1]  - Density 4. ... Depending on context, pop music is either an abbreviation of popular music or, more recently, a term for a sub-genre of it. ... Tableau vivant, Folies Bergères c. ...

Today these carts are driven by farmers' tractors, and usually also tow a large diesel driven electricity generator to provide the huge amount of power required to power the carts. Some generators used can provide over a megawatt of power, with 10,000 to 30,000 light bulbs not uncommon on a modern day cart. The tractors themselves are often decorated to match the rest of the cart and generator, and in some cases modified so that the driver is positioned low down between the two front wheels. This allows for a higher degree of decoration without obscuring the drivers view. The length of the entire cart is often built to the maximum allowable of 100ft. The megawatt (symbol: MW) is a unit for measuring power corresponding to one million (106) watts. ...

Carnival clubs

Carts or floats are built by local clubs of individuals funded totally by charitable donations and sponsorship from local businesses. Some carts cost in excess of £20,000 to build and are the result of thousands of man hours work throughout the year. Most clubs are based around local working or social circles, such as pubs and clubs. Many clubs have specialist Juvenile Carnival clubs for the under 18s. To join an adult 18 and over club, an initiation ceremony is often involved, which can be both alcoholic and involve nudity.^{[citation needed]} All work is carried out in the spare time of the club members on a voluntary basis - often working all night in the final few days to get carts ready.

At the end of the carnival season, many think that that the work is over until the next year - but for the Carnivalites, the season never ends. Before Christmas new club officers are voted in for the following year, and by the end of January the idea for next year has already been chosen and plans are being made. Then the fundraising begins: bars, buffets, race nights, bingo nights, anything to keep raising funds. Christmas or Christmas Day is a holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity. ...

It is surprising with all the expense that anyone pulls out a cart or puts on a show at all, but that’s where the spirit of Carnival comes into play. Being a member of such an organisation not only gives plenty to do in members spare time and an excellent social life, but the sense of pride when everything comes together for the opening night of concerts or the feeling members get when they pull the cart out of the shed on carnival day.

List of carnival clubs

The following is a list of major carnival clubs and their home town locations:

• 2Rs Carnival Club - Temple Cloud, Bristol
• Aliens Carnival Club - Frome, Somerset
• Aysheberton Stannary Carnival Club - Ashburton, Devon
• Bridgwater YMCA Carnival Club - Bridgwater, Somerset
• Brimgrovers Carnival Club - Shepton Beauchamp, Somerset
• Britannia Carnival Club - Castle Cary, Somerset
• British Flag Carnival Club - Bridgwater, Somerset
• Cavaliers Carnival Club - Bridgwater, Somerset
• Cary Comedians Carnival Club - Castle Cary, Somerset
• Centurions Carnival Club - a tableau club based in Bridgwater, Somerset
• Chameleon Carnival Club - Frome and Somerton, Somerset
• Cobra Carnival Club
• Crusaders Carnival Club - Bridgwater, Somerset
• Domino Carnival Club - Chard, Somerset
• En-spired Carnival Club - Salisbury, Wiltshire
• Excalibur Carnival Club - Topsham, Devon
• Gemini Carnival Club - Ilminster, Somerset
• Globe Carnival Club - Wells, Somerset
• Golden Triangle Carnival Club - Ilminster, Somerset
• Gorgons Carnival Club - Wells, Somerset
• Griffens Carnival Club - created by the merger of the Griffens and Bath Bridge Carnival Clubs. Based at the Squib Pub on West Street, Bridgwater, Somerset
• Harlequin Carnival Club - Bell Inn, Ilminster, Somerset
• High Spirits Carnival Club - Honiton, Devon
• Hillview Juvenile Carnival Club - Highbridge, Somerset
• Huckyduck Carnival Club - Coleford, Somerset
• Just Georges Carnival Club - Sturminster Newton, Dorset
• King William Carnival Club
• Lime Kiln Carnival Club - Bridgwater, Somerset
• Magnum Carnival Club
• Luckington Carnival Club
• Marina Sydenham Juvenile Carnival Club - Bridgwater, Somerset
• Marketeers Carnival Club - Bridgwater, Somerset
• Masqueraders Carnival Club - Meare, Glastonbury, Somerset
• Mendip Vale Carnival Club - Wells, Somerset
• Motiv8 Carnival Club
• New Beginnings Carnival Club - Taunton, Somerset
• New Market Carnival Club - Bridgwater, Somerset
• Nunsford Nutters Carnival Club - Colyton, Devon
• Oasis Carnival Club - Frome, Somerset
• Peredins Carnival Club
• Phoenix Carnival Club - Honiton, Devon
• Poppe Inne Carnival Club - Tatworth near Chard, Somerset
• Prattens Carnival Club - Prattens-Westfield Amateur Sports and Social Club, Charlton Road, Midsomer Norton
• Rainbow/Oddbins Carnival Club
• Ramblers Carnival Club - formed 1962 in Bridgwater, Somerset
• Rascals Juvenile Carnival Club - Ilminster, Somerset
• Revellers Carnival Club - Motcombe near Shaftesbury, Dorset
• Shambles Carnival Club - Shepton Mallet, Somerset
• Sidvale Carnival Club - Sidford, Devon
• St. Peters Carnival Club - Yeovil, Somerset
• Tango Juvenile Carnival Club - Salcombe Regis, Devon
• Vagabonds Carnival Club - The Commercial Inn in Bridgwater, Somerset
• Waterside Carnival Club - Midsomer Norton, Somerset
• Wick Carnival Club - Glastonbury, Somerset
• Wilfs Carnival Club - The Newmarket Hotel in Bath Road, Bridgwater
• Wills Carnival Club - Bridgwater, Somerset
• Yeovil Boys Brigade Carnival Club - Yeovil, Somerset
• Young At Heart Pilgrims Carnival Club - Puriton, Somerset

Tableau vivant, Folies Bergères c. ... Ilminster is a quiet country town in the countryside of south west Somerset, England, with a population of 4,781. ... Somerset is a county in the south-west of England. ... Coleford is a village in Somerset, England, situated on the Mells River in the Mendip Hills five miles west of Frome. ... Map sources for Chard at grid reference ST3208 Chard is a town in the county of Somerset, England, situated on the A30 road near the Devon border, 15 miles south west of Yeovil. ... 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar). ...

See also

• Bridgwater
• Carnival
• Festivals in the United Kingdom
• UK topics

Statistics Population: 36,563 (2001 census) Ordnance Survey OS grid reference: ST305370 Administration District: Sedgemoor Shire county: Somerset Region: South West England Constituent country: England Sovereign state: United Kingdom Other Ceremonial county: Somerset Historic county: Somerset Services Police force: Avon and Somerset Police Ambulance service: South Western Post office and... Swabian-Alemannic carnival clowns in Wolfach, Germany A carnival is a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus and public street party, generally during the Carnival Season. ... Festivals in the United Kingdom is a link page for any established festival or carnival in any part of the United Kingdom. ... This is a list of topics related to the United Kingdom. ...

References

• "Remember Remember". The Story of Bridgwater Carnival, written by Chris Hocking who is president of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee
• Somerset Carnivals: A Celebration of 400 Years, Roger Evans & Peter Nichols, ISBN 1-84114-483-5
• "Bridgwater with and without the 'e' " ', Roger Evans, ISBN 0-9525674-0-7
• A History of Bridgwater, J.C. Lawrence, ISBN 1-86077-363-X
• Bridgwater Victorian Days, Philip James Squibbs, ISBN 0-9501022-1-0
• Somerset in the Age of Steam, Peter Stanier, ISBN 0-86183-481-X

External links

• Bridgwater Carnival (official site)
• BBC Somerset: Carnival
• Somerset Guy Fawkes Carnivals
• Somerset Carnival Webring
• Midsomer Norton Carvival Association