Gunpowder, treason ... and squibs!
THE ancient traditions of Bonfire (Guy Fawkes) Night continue to be celebrated in Somerset, particularly at Bridgwater, where tomorrow (Saturday) sees the start of the Guy Fawkes Carnival circuit which runs for 10 days and is one of the world's most spectacular carnival festivals.,
Carnivals in the West Country are very much an autumn event, many leading up to Hallowe'en, unlike the pre-Lent carnivals of Catholic countries, or the summer carnivals of many other communities.
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Squibbing, Bridgwater Carnival, 2010. Picture by Viv Horne
This year there has been a major change in the arrangements of the Guy Fawkes Carnivals, with Bridgwater moving from its regular Friday to Saturday, 3rd November, followed by Weston-Super-mare on Friday 9th November (moving from its previous Monday finale to the circuit), and it all ends at Glastonbury on Saturday.
Bridgwater is not only the biggest carnival, with its dozens of giant illuminated floats - many created by groups with a history that goes back decades and more. It is also famous for the traditional 'squibbing', a 400 year old spectacle not to be missed which, takes place in the High Street after the procession.
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The squibbing, which was cancelled last year because of the serious accident on the M5, is particular to Bridgwater and has only been seen once outside the town, on Weymouth beach this summer for the opening of the Olympics.
The Somerset Guy Fawkes Carnivals are free but please give generously to the collectors who raise thousands of pounds for local charities. Whichever you go to, you will need to get there early to park and find a good spot to watch. The processions take two or three hours to pass and you should wrap up warmly.
Somerset Carnival timetable:
3rd November, Saturday, Bridgwater 7.15pm.
9th November, Friday, Weston-Super-Mare 7.15
10th November Saturday, North Petherton 7.15
12th November Monday, Burnham on Sea & Highbridge 19.15
14th November Wednesday, Shepton Mallet 7.15
16th November Friday, Wells 7.15
17th November Saturday, Glastonbury 7.15.
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