Wells, Carnival
Wells City Carnival
The Wells City Carnival is a yearly celebration that takes place in the charming city of Wells, England. This event features a vibrant parade with an array of floats, costumes and performers. The parade starts on Wells relief road, heading into the city from the direction of Shepton Mallet, and making its way through the streets before reaching its final destination at Wetherspoons on Priory Road. The carnival is a much-anticipated tradition that attracts both locals and visitors to experience the lively atmosphere and celebrate the community. Many participants spend months working on their costumes and floats, making it a true community effort. The Wells City Carnival is a must-see event for anyone visiting the area, and a great way to immerse oneself in the local culture and traditions.
The administration of the Wells section of the Carnival is the responsibility of Well City Carnival , with the overall festival circuit overseen by the SCGFCA
When is Wells Carnival?
The wider county-wide carnival circuit starts in Bridgewater on the First Saturday in November each year and arrives in Wells around a week later.
Wells Carnival 2023 will take place on Friday 17th November and will start at 7.00pm on the Wells Relief Road
Somerset Carnival Circuit 2023
- Bridgewater - Saturday 4th November, 18:00
- Burnham on Sea - Saturday 6th November, 19:00
- Weston Super Mare - Friday 10th November, 19:00
- North Petherton, Saturday 11th November, 19:00
- Midsomer Norton, Monday 13th November, 19:30
- Shepton Mallet - Wednesday 15th November, 19:30
- Wells - Friday 17th November, 19:00
- Glastonbury - Saturday 18th November, 19:30
Somerset Carnival Circuit 2024
- Bridgewater - Saturday 2nd November, 18:00
- Burnham on Sea - Saturday 4th November, 19:00
- Weston Super Mare - Friday 8th November, 19:00
- North Petherton, Saturday 9th November, 19:00
- Midsomer Norton, Monday 11th November, 19:30
- Shepton Mallet - Wednesday 13th November, 19:30
- Wells - Friday 13th November, 19:00
- Glastonbury - Saturday 16th November, 19:30
Wells Carnival Trivia
- The Larger Parade Circuit starts in Bridgewater one week prior to reaching Wells. The Parade passes through seven towns and cities in total. Shepton Mallet, Bridgewater, Midsomer Norton, North Petherton, Wells, Glastonbury, Weston-super-Mare and Burnham on Sea.
- The Carnival dates back to around 1605 and is believed to have originated from regional Bonfire night celebrations and traditions
- The Carnival began as a celebration in which large bonfires were burned in various towns throughout the county of Somerset, this later evolved into citizens celebrating with lamps and later electric lights before becoming the Carnival we know today
Carnival Route
The parade will gather on Wells relief road, coming from the direction of Shepton Mallet. It will then head down Strawberry way, turning right onto Tuckers Street. Turn left onto Portway and then shortly after Right onto Chamberlain Street.
The parade will follow and continue down Chamberlain Street until it comes to an end, it will then turn Right onto Sadler Street and then Right again onto Market Place and continue through High Street and Broad Street. With the Carnival finally coming to an end at the Broad Street and Princes Road Junction, at Wetherspoons on Priory Road.
