Bridgwater Carnival, a cornerstone of the town's cultural calendar since at least the Victorian era, is widely recognised as the 海角视频's oldest event of its kind.
This annual spectacle, featuring vibrant carnival carts meandering through Bridgwater town centre, not only attracts a large influx of visitors but also provides a sense of stability and reliability during times of significant social and economic change.
As this year's carnival arrives in town on Saturday (November 1), there are strong indications that this cherished tradition remains robust, with thousands anticipated to line the streets to witness the carts, enjoy the music and marvel at the unique ceremony.
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Owing to the Bridgwater town deal, efforts are currently underway behind the scenes to secure the carnival's future, with £4.9m pledged towards enhancements to the existing workshops off the A38 Bristol Road.
However, a closer examination of the carnival procession route reveals the extent of other changes taking place in Bridgwater, whether driven by government-funded regeneration or private investment.
Here's your guide to everything that could change along the carnival's route in the coming years...
Percival Yard, A39 Bath Road
At the beginning of the carnival's procession route, this brownfield site once formed part of the town's cellophane factory complex until its closure in 2005.
NNB Generation (HPC) Ltd submitted an application in late-July 2024 to utilise this site for up to four years to store approximately 200 shipping containers, which will contain materials associated with the Hinkley Point C construction programme.
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Somerset Council approved the proposal in late-August 2024, on the condition that a new row of willow, alder and birch trees be planted along the northern border of the site, to mitigate the impact on the neighbouring Sydenham Manor.
Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Club, College Way
The construction workforce at Somerset's new nuclear power station is anticipated to reach its peak over the forthcoming 18 months, with between 15,000 people expected to be working on the build from 2026 to 2028.
To avoid overwhelming Bridgwater's road network with this additional traffic, NNB Generation Company (HPC) Ltd applied in late-March to provide extra car parking spaces near Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Football Club on College Way, conveniently located within walking distance of one of the Hinkley park and ride facilities.
On 8 July, Somerset Council's planning committee north, which oversees major applications within the former Sedgemoor area, unanimously supported plans for a total of 164 car parking spaces and 16 motorcycle spaces to be allocated for use by Hinkley Point C workers for up to five years.
Currently, students wishing to reach Bridgwater and Taunton College from the west must utilise an old metal footbridge over the railway line.
In August 2024, Somerset Council revealed plans to investigate the creation of a new pedestrian and cycling bridge on the northern side of the A39 Bath Road. This would provide a safer connection between the college and the Cross Rifles roundabout.
The proposals also include an upgrade to the existing pedestrian crossing, which serves as a route to the McMillan Theatre and the town's football and rugby clubs.
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While no timeline has been established for the completion of this new bridge, the council indicated that funding for the initial design work could come from local housing developments.
The Cross Rifles roundabout, also known as Cannon Cross Rifles, was initially slated for upgrades as part of a £10m scheme to enhance Bridgwater's 'northern corridor', funded by the government's levelling up fund.
While the Dunball roundabout works (near junction 23 of the M5) are set to conclude shortly after this year's carnival, the Cross Rifles project has been delayed and scaled back due to escalating costs – with the council announcing in January 2024 that funds for the Cross Rifles scheme would be redirected to the Dunball site.
Under the revised plans, the existing pedestrian crossings on the A38 Bristol Road and the A39 Bath Road will transition into signal-controlled crossings, ensuring a safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists approaching the Leggar business park from the east.
New crossings are also planned at the intersection of The Clink and The Leggar (enabling people to cross from Church Street and the newly completed housing development) and on the roundabout within the business park, near the town's McDonald's restaurant and drive-thru.
These latter components will contribute to the completion of the southern end of the 'purple route' within the Bridgwater local cycling and walking infrastructure plan (LCWIP), which will eventually extend all the way to the Gravity enterprise zone via the River Parrett, the Dunball roundabout and the existing Puriton footbridge.
Former Henry W. Pollard & Sons Ltd, A38 Monmouth Street
This brownfield site is located on the eastern side of the A38, just north of the junction with the A372 St. John's Street and Eastover.
Henry W. Pollard & Sons Ltd, established in 1860, ceased operations and entered voluntary liquidation on 8 July 2021, resulting in the loss of approximately 40 jobs.
In March 2024, Pollards Yard Ltd unveiled detailed plans for 39 homes on the site, with only one being affordable – planning permission was granted by the council's northern planning committee in December 2024.
The Taunton-based developer is now constructing the new homes on the site, having finalised its legal agreements with the council in late June this year.
Eastover
Following over a year of roadworks and disruption to local businesses, Eastover has recently reopened to traffic following the completion of its section of the Celebration Mile roadworks.
The Celebration Mile will eventually stretch from Bridgwater railway station to Northgate Docks, offering an appealing and safe walking and cycling route for both residents and visitors to the town.
A total of £9m was allocated within the Bridgwater town deal to deliver three key sections of the route, each of which received planning permission from Sedgemoor District Council in mid-2022.
On Tuesday (28 October), the council announced that it would be conducting a review of the Eastover, East Quay and Salmon Parade elements of the Celebration Mile due to negative feedback from local residents.
Cornhill
In August 2024, Somerset Council revealed plans to auction off the Cornhill complex in Bridgwater town centre as part of a broader asset sale to balance its budget. The complex, currently housing Prezzo restaurant and an indoor market, is a grade one listed building dating back to 1834, originally serving as the Bridgwater corn exchange.
Ownership of the building transferred from Sedgemoor District Council to Somerset Council when the new unitary authority took over in April 2023.
Bridgwater Town Council proposed to purchase the building from Somerset Council for £1, pledging to repair its damaged roof and provide security for local tenants. However, this offer was reportedly rejected by officers, according to the Bridgwater and District Civic Society.
The second section of the Celebration Mile, Clare Street, is set to be completed just before the carnival under the town deal funding.
Councillor Ros Wyke, the former portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets, praised the project in July 2024, stating: "This is a fantastic project for Bridgwater."
She added: "It's a key part of the town deal regeneration vision for the town and we are hoping that by providing a single, safe and thriving active travel route from the railway station to the docks, it will transform the way people get around, easing congestion, improving air quality and bringing more people into Bridgwater to visit and shop."
Bridgwater Town Council is investing up to £5.4m, including £900,000 from the town deal, in upgrading the facilities at Bridgwater Town Hall on High Street.
The upgrades include new tiered rostra and seating for the stalls, following improvements to the balcony seating, ensuring a comfortable theatre experience for attendees.
However, an 18-month refurbishment of the theatre space is set to commence in the coming months, which means next year's carnival concerts will need to find an alternative venue.
In addition, the existing paving around the Angel Place shopping centre on Angel Crescent is being replaced as the final part of the Celebration Mile upgrades funded through the town deal.
These improvements have been implemented in several phases since November 2024, with completion expected before the carnival.