About UK Carnival

References to Carnival appear as early as the late 1850's

Carnivals are free street entertainment - usually, these days, with a street collection in support of local, regional and national charities. There are usually programme's on sale about the procession - full of information about the participating Carnival Clubs' history.

Many UK Carnivals are twinned with other local, national or international Carnival committees and take part in each others Carnival events.

Carnival processions can be over 2 miles or 3.2km long and take over two hours pass by a given point on the route.

Carnival floats or Carts can be up to a 100 feet or 30mtrs long, around 11 feet or 3.3mtrs wide and around 17 ft 6 inches or 5.25mtrs high and using up to 25,000 light bulbs. The carts are usually constructed and decorated in strict secrecy with their themes varying from fairy tale tableaus etc followed by all singing and dancing troupes and marching bands.

Carnivals generally take place from the beginning of lent right through the year - Somerset towns like Bridgwater, Glastonbury and Wells hold their Carnivals during the first two weeks of November each year - combining them with Guy Fawkes, Bonfire and fireworks celebrations.

Bridgwater Carnival is claimed to be the largest illuminated winter carnival in the world.

The only time that UK Carnival has been halted since they started was during the two world wars.

Map of the counties of England CLICK HERE

Map of the Regions of Scotland CLICK HERE

Map of the Regions of Wales CLICK HERE

Map of the counties of N Ireland CLICK HERE

Every effort has been made to make sure that the information contained in this Directory is accurate. Do be aware, however, that conditions of entry etc. can change at short notice and that telephone numbers and personalities may change also.

About UK Carnival

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