Bridgwater Carnival | World’s Biggest Illuminated Parade

Forget Glastonbury. If you want Somerset’s wildest night, it’s not in a muddy field. It’s on the streets of Bridgwater, where the world’s biggest illuminated parade has been lighting up November skies for over 400 years. In this episode of Bridwgater's history, we uncover the origins of Bridgwater Carnival, from its links to the Gunpowder Plot to the jaw-dropping floats that today take months (and sometimes years) to build. Think Mardi Gras meets Blackpool Illuminations, with a Somerset twist. We follow the story of how the carnival grew from torch-lit processions to high-tech sound and light shows, and why it remains one of the most spectacular (and underrated) events in Europe. 🔥 Expect huge floats, fiery traditions, and the noise of thousands packed into Bridgwater’s narrow streets. This is not just a carnival, it’s the beating heart of a town. 📍 Learn more: Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival 🎥 Part of our Hidden History of Bridgwater series - The worlds biggest illuminated carnival parade. Special thanks to Timeless Images, Amber Jade Photography and Impact 20Twenty for photographs used in this video. This Bridgwater Carnival episode was: Narrated by Dave Englefield Created by Neil Fellowes Music by Andey Fellowes With special thanks to the Bridgwater Carnival Museum Credits for Photos used in this video: Timeless Images, Impact 20Twenty & Amber Jade Photography --------------------------------- 👉 ENJOYED THIS VIDEO? Subscribe for stories, updates, and behind-the-scenes insights!    / @sedgemoorfm104.2   ---------------------------------------- ⏱️ Video Timestamps⏱️ 0:00 – What happens when a town gets glitter and lightbulbs 0:12 – A noisy celebration born from the Gunpowder Plot 0:34 – Welcome to Bridgwater: more than a place you drive through 1:05 – 1605: Guy Fawkes, fireworks, and why Somerset went bigger 1:34 – Bridgwater builds carts, costumes, and performances 2:02 – Today: Europe’s largest illuminated procession 2:32 – Floats so bright they could be seen from space 2:52 – Eurovision meets engineering college (and glitter) 3:02 – Judging, rivalries, and local scandal when bulbs fail 3:33 – The grand finale: what is squibbing? 4:19 – Fire, sparks, and “Is this legal?” 4:34 – Why 150,000 people come every year 4:56 – Carnival clubs, families, and year-round dedication 5:19 – The rebellious streak: celebrating failed revolution with joy 5:45 – Bridgwater Carnival: chaos in high definition 6:15 – Proudly weird, proudly Bridgwater – join the spectacle ---------------------------------------------------- 👉 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Listen Live & Visit our homepage🎵 https://sedgemoorfm.com/ Facebook 🔝   / sedgemoorfm   Instagram📸   / segdemoorfm   Twitter 🕊   / sedgemoorfm*   Linked In:   / 86876633   --------------------------------------------------------- 👉 LISTEN TO SEDGEMOOR FM Download the app or listen online https://sedgemoorfm.com -------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT SEDGEMOOR FM Broadcasting from our studios in Bridgwater, Sedgemoor fm unapologetically supports and promotes the area and community