ANOTHER Somerset carnival is fast approaching, with Shepton Mallet set to light up all evening this week.

Starting tomorrow Wednesday, November 13, the much-anticipated event will kick off at 7:30 pm and bring a fantastic display of lights, music, and spectacular floats as part of the traditional Guy Fawkes Carnival circuit.

Here is everything you need to know about the Shepton Mallet Carnival, including road closures, routes, times and where to stand for the illuminated procession.

Where should I watch the carnival?

There are many places you can get an amazing view of the carnival. Here is a list of some of the best spots for tomorrow's event:

  • Compton Road: Ideal for families looking to leave the carnival early.
  • Tesco Roundabout: Elevated views near the green space.
  • Leisure Centre Area: Thin crowds and better amenities.
  • Charlton Road: A usually quiet spot near the end of the procession.

Who to look out for: 

With over 100 entries, including single masqueraders and illuminated carnival carts, viewers are spoilt for choice with who to look out for.

Gremlins CC were crowned the overall winners at Bridgwater Carnival, taking home the hotly anticipated Ker Cup, with their creative Beatlemania entry. It brings an end to the two-year winning streak of Ramblers CC. 

Also featuring at Weston Carnival, Gremlins Carnival Club and Huckyduck Carnival Club made it three wins from three as they were crowned winners at Friday's 2024 Weston-super-Mare Carnival.

The two clubs were once again awarded the top prizes in the Open Feature and Open Tableau classes with their 'Beatlemania' and 'Brunel' carts respectively.

Bridgwater Carnival 2024: All the results and awards: Read More.

Road Closures and Traffic Notices:

Road restrictions will be in place on Cannards Grave Road and Whitstone Road.

These will begin at 9:00 pm on November 11, and extend through to midnight on November 13 for float parking and preparations.

Tadley Acres access will be redirected during this period.

Carnival Day: From 6:45 pm, roads along the procession route (including Cannards Grave Road, Townsend, Old Market Road, and Charlton Road) will close.

Whitstone Road will close at 7:30 pm.

Parking and Accessibility:

Parking is always a problem when travelling to any South West Carnival due to the amount of congestion in the town and limited car parking spaces due to road closures.

Here are a few spots to park for the carnival:

  • Tesco Retail Park: Tesco is lifting its parking restrictions from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
  • Dobbies Car Park: Open for coach and car parking until 11:00 pm.

For those looking for disabled seating, contact Rev. G. Dart on 01749 343972 to reserve a spot outside the Shepton Mallet Baptist Church.

Volunteering:

Volunteers are also wanted to help collect money at the carnival.

Children's Hospice South West (CHSW), will be donned in Santa suits, promoting the Santas on the Run event at Charlton Farm on December 8.

Anyone willing to volunteer can contact Kylie Gallagher at 01275 866600 or kylie.gallagher@chsw.org.uk.

If you can't make it to Shepton Mallet, you can catch the carnival at Wells on Friday, November 15, or in Glastonbury on Saturday, November 16.

With each event starting at 7:00 pm, the Somerset Guy Fawkes Carnival Circuit promises a wonderful series of dazzling displays throughout the county.

Speaking ahead of the Shepton Mallet Carnival, an organiser spokesperson said: "The Shepton Mallet Carnival that we have today, started back in 1965, and draws crowds of more than 10,000 supporters to watch the procession.

"For a more comfortable viewing experience try Charlton Road or Whitstone Road, excellent view for photographs.

"The start area and town centre get very crowded.

"We hope everyone enjoys the carnival!"