Vagabonds Present 'Da Vinci' (PiPs)

Da Vinci, Vagabonds CC. B/W 2016

Guy Fawkes Carnival dates back to 1605 when, following the failed attempt by a group of conspirators led by Guy Fawkes to blow up Parliament, James 1st decreed that bonfires should be lit every 5th November. Bridgwater Carnival itself can be traced back to 1847, making it the oldest Carnival Procession in the country.

Brightly illuminated carts, often with elaborate designs and many moving parts, and measuring up to 100 ft long form a procession through the town with costumed 'gang' members performing routines to music appropriate to the theme of their cart. In the case of 'tableaux' the gang members hold their often difficult positions without moving, apart from a couple of short rest periods

The carnival attracts visitors from all over the country, and even from other countries and has in the past couple of years won two gold and one silver tourism awards .

Best viewed large. Please also see PiPs