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Thousands watch elaborate carnival cart procession

Bea SwallowWest of England
Catch the highlights from Bridgwater Carnival 2026

Rock shows, Del Boy and his three-wheeler from Only Fools and Horses, and a circus big top were among the themes showcased during a spectacular illuminated carnival procession.

Thousands of people watched the event in Bridgwater, Somerset, where clubs spend the entire year preparing carts for the show.

Dan Prosser from the Renegades Carnival Club said the preparations were "more like a lifestyle than just a hobby," adding his non-carnival friends think his devotion to the event is "absolutely nuts".

The carnival ended with 210 people - including local MP Sir Ashley Fox - taking part in squibbing, where a large firework, strapped to a solid block of wood on the end of a pole, is lit.

A large carnival cart driving along the street, approaching the camera. It is Oliver Twist themed, with performers dressed in period clothing standing at the front. There are large crowds of spectators on either side of the pavement, standing behind metal barriers.
Crowds watched in awe as the illuminated creations weaved through the streets
Two performers dressed as firefighters, in black tunic suits, hanging off the side of a cart while pyrotechnics go off beside them. One is saluting and the other has his arms outstretched, interacting with the crowd.
Each cart is judged on categories including presentation, routine or comic content, lighting, costume and make up, and cart construction
A carnival cart turning on a corner of the street beside a crowd of spectators behind a metal barrier. The cart is lit up with green, purple, orange and yellow lights, with smoke coming off the top.
Volunteer-run carnival clubs across the region spend all year building carts for the parades
A crowd of spectators watching a cart as it goes by. The cart is about 100ft long and lit up with purple, orange and yellow lights.
Thousands of spectators lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the procession
A man standing on the side of a cart with his arms in the air, waving to spectators. The cart is flower hop themed, and lit up with orange and yellow lights.
Each mounted cart is designed around a specific theme with synchronized lighting, costumes, movement, and an accompanying soundtrack
Performers dressed as circus clowns standing on the front of a cart, which is lit up with blue, red and white LED lights.
Performers stole the show, dressed in elaborate costumes to match each theme
Large crowds lining the streets, watching the squibbing event. People walking down the centre of the street are holding up long poles with fireworks flying out of each end. The night sky is full of smoke and sparks.
About 210 "squibbers" took part in the traditional finale event

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