Click [
here ]
GUY FAWKES CARNIVALS / 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. Some 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 the additional dimension of their spectacular
illuminated parades. Another, unique celebration, is the squibbing which takes place as part of the Bridgwater Carnival.
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.
- West Country Carnivals
- An excellent enthusiasts' site with more than 1000 videos & 1100 photos taken by the team and exclusive interviews. Also, podcasts, a forum, the latest carnival news, and DVDs for sale.
- 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
- Bridgwater 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.
Click [
here ] to mail details of your Bonfire Society web site.