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Bridgwater carnival procession lights up town

Clara Bullock
BBC News
BBC Bridgwater Carnival floatBBC
Many families in Bridgwater have been involved in the carnival for several generations

The UK's oldest carnival and one of the largest illuminated processions in Europe took place on Saturday night.

Guy Fawkes Carnival season in Somerset has started, while Bridgwater Carnival is kicking off a month of processions through the county.

Organisers have estimated Bridgwater alone brings in around £4m to the local economy.

"It makes the town very vibrant," said Paul Savage, a compere for the carnival.

Dancers on a carnival float
About 100 carts were involved in the illuminated procession on Saturday night
Bridgwater Carnival float
Bridgwater alone generates huge cash for the local economy

"Having been born and bred here myself, there's many families here that have been involved with the carnival for several years and their children and their children all get involved," he said.

Katie Whiting, club captain of the Renegades Carnival Club, said it takes them a whole year to prepare for the processions.

Bridgwater Carnival Batmobile
A Batmobile was among the carnival procession in Bridgwater this year
Bridgwater Carnival float
Bridgwater Carnival is one of the largest illuminated processions in Europe

"Carnival finished last year, and the next day we start again," she said.

"We love it, it brings so much to the town. And ultimately, it brings people together."

This year, Ramblers Carnival Club won the procession.

Bridgwater Carnival Hollywood float
Katie Whiting said the carnival brings people together
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