Generations of families build massive carts for Somerset carnivals

Residents in Somerset, England, spend months constructing elaborate carts and costumes for the Guy Fawkes Carnival, a tradition that spans multiple generations.

Members of various carnival clubs, such as the Renegades Carnival Club, spend their evenings after work welding, hammering, and painting structures. These clubs often consist of three or more generations of the same family. For many participants, the activity functions as a lifelong commitment rather than a casual hobby.

Club members describe the process as a rite of passage where they honor ancestors who were also involved in the festivities. The Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is considered one of the oldest and largest events in the United Kingdom. It serves as the first stop in an eight-event circuit that takes place across Somerset towns including Frome, Wellington, and Taunton.

The community works to create imaginative themes for their carts, which are then paraded through the streets during the autumn months. The event provides a significant economic boost to the region. The Bridgwater carnival alone brings approximately £4 million to the local economy. While the preparation involves intense labor and dedication, participants say the nerves only begin once the carts actually hit the road for the parade.