Bridgwater Carnival 2011

Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is the largest illuminated carnival in Europe. It's been well established for many years, with its origins of course in the festivities after the exposure of the Gunowder Plot in 1605. Todays events follow the precedents set by Victorian carnival entusiasts; a procession of over 100 spectacular floats is led by the Guy Fawkes cart - judges award prizes for the best and there is fierce competition. There are several categories -- some in the form of static tableaux (you can only tell the characters are alive when they blink!) whereas others are all-singing and all-dancing. Costumed individuals and groups on foot intersperse the carts. Literally thousands of people will line the route, even when it's raining! Find out more about this event - and other British calendar customs - at http://www.calendarcustoms.com/