Bridgwater
Many years ago I worked for a charity in a Somerset town called Bridgwater.
I’m not a resident and it’s been a while since I worked there but I think it’s fair to say that Bridgwater isn’t the most affluent area. Historically, unemployment levels were always high. Many shops struggle and the average wage is not high. A quick internet search shows Bridgwater voted ‘worst’ in several unofficial polls and many areas of Bridgwater are classed as deprived. For some people, that would be reason enough not to live there, or even visit.
Full of passion
However, there is something that Bridgwater residents do very well; and that’s carnival. Bridgwater Carnival is unlike the well known Notting Hill Carnival that many are familiar with. Bridgwater carnival is clever, skilful, bright, for all the family and full of passion. It’s a carnival of moving parts, pyrotechnics, intricate costumes, mesmerising dance routines, 300,000 light bulbs and most importantly, has the support of the whole community. To build some of the carts cost the same as the average wedding, at £20,000. The finale is a spectacular ‘squibbing’ which lights up the sky and consists of over a hundred hand held fireworks being lit. I was once involved in documenting the experience for BBC Points West, with a sad turn of events for one of the carts and captured in the film below.
Time for a visit
Years later, I heard a phone-in on national radio from someone working on a cart. It reminded me just how animated Bridgwater residents are about their carnival and after watching other carnivals, I realised that nothing had quite lived up to it. When involved in filming, it’s difficult to take in the whole spectacle and therefore I decided to mark out a weekend in the diary purely to visit Bridgwater Carnival again (making the three hour trip from London).
Years later, none of the magic has been lost. Residents flock in their masses to line the parade route hours early in order to get the best spot, with their folding chairs and picnics. Road closures are in operation. Queues form. One restaurant located on the parade route has customers booking a table a year in advance.
A spectacular sight
The carnival did not disappoint. It’s spectacular and stunning. The engineering could rival any project being designed by top construction companies. It’s a special night and most importantly, Bridgwater residents are united in their pride and achievements of such an event. That is reason enough to visit. Along with 150,000 others.
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