With the South Somerset carnival season in full swing, the next procession takes place in Chard. So with Chard Carnival just around the corner, we have put together a list of everything you need to know before all of the fun.
The traditional event is part of the South Somerset Federation which includes Wellington, Illminster, and Taunton.
So, what are the key details?
What is Chard Carnival?
The carnival is an annual event full of brightly lit carts, colourful performers and talented acts. Long illuminated floats will parade around Chard's town centre with music blaring, surrounded by dancers and acts who produce the carnival atmosphere.
People watch the floats from the side of the streets and get to witness the weird and wonderful with their friends and family. Carts involved tend to represent particular groups, and often feature popular children's books and films, historical moments, places and more.
There will be lots of pubs open, a fun fair and food stools, so there really is everything for the family. The event has been a big part of Chard's recent history, with the Carnival raising thousands of pounds for local charities and organisations year on year.
When is it?
Chard Carnival takes place on Saturday October 12.
The Carnival is split into two sections - there is the children's Carnival earlier in the day and the main Carnival in the evening.
When does it start?
The children's Carnival will begin at 12pm and the main Carnival will commence at 7pm.
Do I have to pay to get in?
Nope. The Carnival is completely free - but spectators are asked to donate to charity through the collecting vehicles.
Where does is take place?
The procession runs through Chard – assembling at Numatics on Tapstone Road, before starting at Millfield. The route turns onto Church Street until a right onto Holyrood Street, before a quick left onto Duck Lane, which is then followed down to the High Street, before finishing the loop by going down thee High Street and Fore Street and back onto Tapstone Road.
The route will be fully signposted.
See the full route in the picture below.
Where can I park?
There are several parking spots across Chard which are recommended to be used before the Carnival.
- Cresta Leisure Centre
- Duck Lane (two separate car parks)
- Boden Street
- Springmead
- Bubwith Road
Where are the road closures?
The A30 running through Chard will be temporarily closed as the Carnival's antics begin. Elsewhere, the rest of the route will be closed off, as well as some of the roads within the route.
See the picture below for a map of the closed roads (any road in red).
Carnival Dates 2024
East Devon Circuit
Honiton | Saturday 26th October, 7:30pm |
Wessex Grand Prix
Wincanton | Friday 11th October, 7.30pm |
Castle Cary | Saturday 12th October, 7.00pm |
Trowbridge | Saturday 19th October, 7.00pm |
Warminster | Saturday 26th October, 6:45pm |
South Somerset Federation
Chard | Saturday 12th October, 7.30pm |
Taunton | Saturday 19th October, 7.00pm |
Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association
Bridgwater | Saturday 2nd November, 6.00pm |
Burnham-on-Sea | Monday 4th November, 7.30pm |
Weston-super-Mare | Friday 8th November, 7.00pm |
North Petherton | Saturday 9th November, 7.00pm |
Shepton Mallet | Wednesday 13th November, 7.30pm |
Wells | Friday 15th November, 7.00pm |
Glastonbury | Saturday 16th November, 6.45pm |
Independent Carnivals
Midsomer Norton | Monday 11th November, 7.30pm |
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