Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival History
The origins of our annual carnival in Bridgwater can be traced back to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 when Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators, failed in their attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. That story is well known to everyone, but what is not so widely acknowledged is that it was King James 1st and his parliament who decreed that the events of 5 November should be commemorated annually with the lighting of bonfires, a tradition which is celebrated across the nation to this very day.
Maybe it was because Bridgwater was staunchly protestant in those days that the townsfolk celebrated with greater vigour than anywhere else, creating a tradition of widespread merrymaking on the annual anniversary of the fifth . Or maybe it was just an excuse to enjoy an evening of fun around the bonfire before the long, cold nights of winter really set in.
Whatever the reason, those celebrations have now grown into the magnificent spectacle which takes to the streets of Bridgwater each year in early November.
The early years unfortunately were not recorded local newspapers did not appear in the town until the mid 19th century but we do know from the parish records of St Mary s Church that John Taylor and his two children were killed in a gunpowder explosion in their home in November 1716. Early casualties which were no doubt caused by the manufacture of the home-made Bridgwater Squibs, the unique fireworks which are still very much a part of our carnival tradition.
From journalistic records we can trace the development of our carnival from 1847, making Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival the oldest event of its kind in the United Kingdom, and, it seems it was the Victorians who were instrumental in establishing the format of the carnival for future generations to enjoy.
History Timeline
Bridgwater Carnival was now well and truly established in the community and has continued to grow and prosper ever since. Since 1881 there have been many memorable moments in the growth and development of carnival in the town. Here are just a few of them in a history timeline:
1892
The Home Office became concerned about the manufacture of Bridgwater Squibs in homes throughout the town. The committee decided they could not be responsible for staging the carnival with the threat of a considerable fine being imposed if this practice continued. An underground movement was formed to ensure the carnival went ahead which it did!
1902
Bridgwater celebrated the coronation of Edward VII by re-enacting the Royal procession with a long series of tableaux which included a replica of the magnificent State Coach, correct in every detail and drawn by eight cream coloured horses
1903
First electric light bulbs used on an entry in the procession. Until now, the carts (floats) were illuminated with paraffin lamps, carried alongside the entry.
1909
Bowing to pressure from the business community, the committee decided that future carnivals would be held on the Thursday nearest 5 November (Thursday being early closing day in the town) instead of 5 November itself as had been the custom.
1924
First cup, the Ker Cup, presented to the carnival to be competed for annually by the gangs.
1925
The area around the Cornhill was laid to tarmacadam, improving the road surface for the rapidly increasing motorised transport. Unfortunately, this material burns easily, especially under bonfires, and so the carnival committee reluctantly abandoned the Cornhill bonfire, thereby extinguishing forever its closest link with the events of 1605.
1948
Horses used for the last time to pull a carnival club entry.
1949
Carnival Concerts increased to twelve performances.
1958
Only eight Bridgwater clubs competed in this year s carnival and it seemed as if the diminishing popularity of participating in the event was due to the ever increasing appeal of watching television!
1974
Carnival Calendars printed and sold as souvenirs for the first time.
1982
Bridgwater Carnival was captured on film and video copies made available as souvenirs.
2001
To maintain its position as the country s premier carnival, the organisers of the parade decided that it would be held in on a Friday in future, the first change in the day of the festivities since 1909. This change inevitably also saw the demise of Black Friday, a day of celebrations for carnivalities, a tradition which first appeared in the early 1960s. However resilient carnivalities now hold their celebrations on the Sunday after Bridgwater Carnival.
2005
The Spirit of Carnival statue was unveiled on the Cornhill in October of this year. This permanent reminder of the importance of the carnival to past, present and future generations of people stands proudly on the spot where it all began 400 years ago.
Above information take from:-
www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk/history/history-timeline/