How It All Began
The Story of Wells City Carnival
The very first Wells City Carnival took place in November 1902, inspired by the long-standing tradition of Guy Fawkes Night, which dates back to the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Since that inaugural event, the carnival has returned each year—with only a pause during the world wars and the COVID-19 pandemic—growing into one of the most anticipated spectacles in the Somerset calendar.
A Tradition Rooted in History
The origins of Wells Carnival are closely tied to Guy Fawkes Night, a commemoration of the 1605 plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament. What began as bonfires and the burning of effigies has, over the centuries, evolved into a vivid, community-driven celebration.
From Bonfires to Brilliant Lights
What started with simple bonfires has transformed into the grand illuminated processions we see today. Each year, incredible carts (floats), marching bands, music, dancers, and entertainers light up the streets of Wells in a breathtaking display of creativity and effort.
Part of the Somerset Carnival Circuit
Wells is proud to be part of the Guy Fawkes Carnival Circuit, which includes iconic events in towns like Bridgwater, Glastonbury, and Shepton Mallet. These carnivals form a unique series of events across Somerset each November, bringing thousands of visitors to the region.
Community at its Heart
At the core of the carnival are the local clubs and volunteers who work tirelessly all year round to create stunning carts, costumes, and performances. It’s a true testament to the creativity, dedication, and spirit of the Wells community.
A World-Famous Spectacle
The Somerset Carnivals, including Wells, are considered the largest illuminated processions in the world, drawing crowds from near and far. It’s more than just a parade—it’s a moving festival of light, sound, and shared joy.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time fan, Wells City Carnival is a celebration you won’t want to miss—over 120 years in the making.
The incredible images below, captured by Bert Philips and kindly provided by Wells and Mendip Museum, showcase carnival carts from the 1930s and even earlier.
Text from the Wells Journal & Western Advertiser | 13th November 1902
GUY FAWKES' DAY – CARNIVAL AT WELLS
It was a bold idea to hold another carnival so soon after that carried out on Coronation Day, but the success achieved on that occasion was so pronounced that "young Wells", anxious to again distinguish themselves, a few months ago set about organising a Guy Fawkes' celebration for the eventful 5th.
The effort was very heartily supported, and no less than 96 cars— to say nothing of cavaliers and pedestrians—entered for Wednesday’s carnival, showing the amount of enthusiasm which was evoked.
Unfortunately, the spectacle was somewhat marred by unfavourable weather. Nearly all day rain fell, and continued until a late hour in the evening, much to the discomfort of the many hundreds of persons who gathered in the streets to view the procession. In spite of the disheartening circumstances, the carnival was distinctly creditable to the city.
There were some capitally arranged tableaux—some historical, others illustrative of various trades and industries.
The only fault to be found with the spectacle was that there was insufficient light. This, however, was beyond the control of the promoters. A large number of
torch-bearers were commissioned, but most of the torches went out before the procession started, and, to make matters worse, many of the lanterns and fairy lamps upon the cars became extinguished. The result was that in many parts of the city, some of the tableaux were hardly recognisable.
The procession was marshalled in the Glastonbury Road, starting from the Somerset and Dorset Station, the vicinity of which presented a very animated scene, in which prancing steeds, pedestrians in fancy costumes, decorated cars, and mud were the constituent parts. The mud was especially prominent.
Throughout the preparations, the rain poured down persistently, and everyone presented a most woebegone appearance. About a quarter past seven, at the sound of a bugle, the procession moved off in the following order:
Cars – Judges: Mr E.A. Crosse, Dr Purnell, and Capt. Chubb
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Mr F.S. Webb, King John Signing Magna Charta
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Mr J. Hawkins, Signing Peace
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Mr R. Bendall, jun., Baking Bread en route
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Hearts of Oak (Shepton Mallet), Briton and Boer
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Village Smithy, House being built, Quarry in full swing, Mill at work, and Mr Bartlett’s fruit and vegetable car
Cavaliers – Judges: Captain Perkins, Messrs A.C. Weaver and J. Reed
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Field-Marshal T.J. Richards as General Buller
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Claude Duval, Mr Ings (Bath Road)
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Messrs Wigmore (Hunting) and Wheeler (French Drag), judged equally
Special prize – H. Hawkins, Indian
Pedestrians (groups) – Judges: Messrs C. Adams, W. Paul, and J. Seale
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Mr Hooper, Black and White Wonders
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Mr Monelle, Red, White and Blue
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Mr Ashton, Operative Masons
Individuals – Judges: Messrs J. George, H.C. Norton, and Tyte
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Mr Trudgian, Robinson Crusoe and his Goat
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Mr Smith (Glastonbury), 17th Century
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Mr W. Brown, Mephistopheles
Special prize – Miss Cox, Patriotic
Highly commended – Mr Treater
Decorated Cycles – Judges: Messrs F. Russ, E. Barnes, and Lieut. Powell
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Miss Hillier (Bride)
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Mr J. Weaver (Father Christmas)
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Miss Kerslake (Cinderella)
A hearty expression of thanks was tendered to the Mayoress at the instance of Dr Purnell. The City Band then led the crowd to the Recreation Ground, where an immense bonfire was set alight by Mrs Richards. The huge stack, which was 36 feet high and 20 feet in diameter, was built by Messrs Say and Son of Croscombe, under the supervision of the energetic bonfire committee—Messrs A.C. Weaver, H. Shore, J. Hawkins, R.C. Cock, and C. Brown.
Messrs Say and Son, it will be remembered, were responsible for the erection of the Coronation bonfire at Masbury. In igniting the big pile, Mrs Richards wished success to future carnivals, and a cheer went up from the thousands lining the barrier round the fire, which cast a lurid glare all around, lighting up the sky in a highly vivid manner.
A squib competition, which proved very attractive, resulted as follows:
1st – Mr L. Hooper, Wells (10 points)
2nd – Mr E.J. Smith, Glastonbury (9 points)
3rd – Miss Clarke, Wells (8 points)
The judges were Messrs W. Barnard, J.C. Orem, and J. Knight.
The whole of the proceedings were enjoyed by vast crowds of sightseers, who loudly applauded the entire procession. The general opinion was that it was quite equal to, and in many respects better than, similar displays in neighbouring towns.
Not a single mishap of a serious nature or disorderly scene occurred to spoil the evening’s amusement, and a word of praise is due to P.B. Marshallsea and his efficient staff for the admirable police arrangements.
The task of organising the carnival fell mainly to Messrs Bert C. Phillips and F. Crandon, the joint honorary secretaries, who discharged their onerous duties in a most satisfactory manner—the general arrangements being as near perfect as possible.
The video below:
Thoughtful piece to camera by Somerset Film about Wells City Carnival and the internationally famous Somerset Carnival circuit. In conversation with Cathy Williams, Wells City Carnival former President, the late Maurice Day, Gordon and Sue Stockman, and Dale Bray.