ANOTHER Somerset carnival is just around the corner as Wells is set to be illuminated tonight.

Starting today, Friday, November 15, the cherished tradition will start at 7:00 pm and bring a fantastic display of lights, music, and spectacular floats as one of the traditional Somerset circuits.

These carnivals attract tens of thousands of visitors and participants each year, making them some of the largest illuminated processions in the world.

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

The procession:

As stated previously, the procession will begin at 7pm.

The procession will assemble on the Wells relief road, entering from the Shepton Mallet direction before beginning on Strawberry Way, after the roundabout.

The route will end at the roundabout on Priory Road.

Parking:

Tesco and Morrisons: Car parks may be open, but please be aware that parking time limits may not be waived.

Wells Rugby Club: Convenient parking for attendees.

Stoberry Park School and Wells Cathedral School: Additional spaces available.

There is strictly no parking at Cathedral Park, as this is a private road, please make arrangements to park vehicles elsewhere.

Walking entries (classes 7 to 15) will be assembled in Cathedral Park, Rowdens Road.

Road closures: 

To ensure safety during the carnival, several key roads will be closed:

Morrisons Supermarket: Full access from the Glastonbury Road (Tincknells Roundabout) until 6pm.

Tor Street (B3139): No parking from 6am on 15th November until 4am on 16th November.

Wand Road and Knight Road: Open for residents and visitors until 12pm.

From 6pm, the following roads will be closed:

Glastonbury Road (A39): Closed from Tin Bridge Roundabout (Glastonbury) to Tincknells Roundabout (Wells).

Bishops Park Way, Strawberry Way, Tucker Street, Chamberlain Street, Sadler Street, High Street, Broad Street, and Priory Road.

Bishops Parkway: Follow the official diversion route​

Public transport notices:

For those using public transport, there are a few schedule changes to note:

Service 126 (Wells-Axbridge): Unaffected, with the last service at 5:50pm.

Services 172, 173, and 174: Will be rerouted via The Old Wheelwright Cottages on Portway.

Service 376 (Bristol-bound): Rerouted via The Old Wheelwright Cottages on Portway.

Service 376 (Street-bound): No service between Wells and Street from 6:00pm to 11:00pm. The last service from Wells will be at 5:03pm, with services resuming at 11:38pm.

Best places to watch the Wells Carnival 2024:

Chamberlain Street: Perfect for families, located near public toilets and restaurants.

Broad Street: Ideal for a quick exit after the event, especially if you're parked near South Street.

High Street and Priory Road: Great central spots to catch the best of the illuminated floats.

Speaking ahead of Wells Carnival, one of the event's organisers said: "Be aware that this year's carnival will revert back to the Sherston Inn as the ending point.

"The letting off of fireworks during the procession is expressly forbidden and all spectators are requested to exercise special care while visiting the carnival.

"Do not crowd onto the main road, or allow children to run alongside or between vehicles.

"Do not throw coins onto the competing floats – all donations should be deposited into official collecting tins or special collecting vehicles.

"Don't miss out on the Wells Carnival 2024, a night of creativity, community spirit, and Somerset's long-standing carnival traditions.

"Wells Carnival is sure to be an unforgettable event this November!"