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GUY FAWKES & ILLUMINATED CARNIVALS

In the South West of England - centred on Somerset but taking in large parts of Devon, Dorset, Glocs and Wilts - there exists a centuries-old tradition of Illuminated Carnivals. Many are known as Guy Fawkes Carnivals because they date back to the celebrations associated with Guy Fawkes and the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot.

Like the Bonfire Societies of the South East, these Carnivals are notable for the extensive community involvement in the fireworks celebration. The South West carnivals have an additional dimension in their spectacular illuminated parades.

The degree of skill, effort and organisation which goes into creating these magnificent shows is singularly impressive and many now stage events well outside of the Guy Fawkes season either as a complement to, or as a fund raiser for the main event.

Gremlins: Mickey's Parade	Harlequins: Theatreland	Wills: Halloween

All carnivals are independently organised by local clubs or committes but many are also associated with a Circuit, such as East Devon, South Somerset, Somerset County Guy Fawkes, etc. The illuminated floats will travel to different Carnivals, visiting each others events through the season.

Click pictures to visit the GuyFawkesCarnivals.co.uk photograph galleries
Cavaliers: Polar Express	Mendip Vale: Fremont St	Clogs: Stars & Stripes	Gremlins: Ghostship	Cary Comedians: Cock Rock

Visit GuyFawkesCarnivals.co.uk and the following web sites for an introduction to the Guy Fawkes Carnivals.

Carnival Chronicle - Bridgwater, Somerset

Carnival Chronicle is the home to many club and circuit sites.

South West Carnivals

A portal for the five main carnival circuits.

Somerset Guy Fawkes Carnivals

Somerset, Devon& Cornwall Carnivals and circuits

Bridgewater Carnival

One of the major carnivals with a notable demonstration of squibbing as a spectacular finale.

Devon Carnivals

Information the South Devon and East Devon Circuits, and various independent Devon Carnivals.

East Devon Carnivals

Website is home to information on Seaton, Colyton, Axminster, Newton Poppleford, Exmouth, Broadclyst, Honiton, and Ottery St Mary Carnivals.