We've been without the bright lights and spectacle of carnival for two years, no thanks to a global pandemic, but carnival is back, with the season is well underway - and Shepton Mallet getting ready to host.

On November 16, Guy Fawkes Carnival will return to Shepton and it is time to enjoy the carnival clubs' hard work in a fantastic night of entertainment.

This is one of the biggest events of the year, which requires road closures starting days before.

Below is everything you need to know for carnival week, from the road closures ahead of the event to the timings and car parking options on the day.

Route details and timings

The carnival will start at 7.30pm on Wednesday, November 16, at the junction between the A371 and Compton Road. This is just around the corner from the Mendip District Council offices.

The procession will then move along the A371 Cannard's Grave Road into town, around Collett Park and at the roundabout, will turn right onto Townsend towards Tesco. Then it will continue on the A371 past Shepton Mallet Honda.

The carts will then turn onto the A361 Commercial Road/Charlton Road to Whitstone's, turn south onto the A37 Whitstone Road and finish there.

The performing rest area will be from the pedestrian entrance of Whitstone School in Charlton Road and finish at the main school entrance at the junction of Kyte Road.

Shepton Mallet Carnival Route

This is the route map provided by the carnival

Where can I watch the carnival from?

For a more comfortable viewing experience try Charlton Road or Whitstone Road, which offers an excellent view for photographs.

It's worth bearing in mind that the start area and town centre can get very crowded. Other places worth considering are:

• Compton Road:Ideal if you have young children as you can leave earlier; the procession should be coming round shortly after 7.30pm
• Tesco roundabout: If you stand higher up on the green space near the Tesco roundabout you get a good view of the carts
• Leisure Centre: Standing towards the end of the route means you will have to wait longer for the event to start (around 8pm or 8.15pm), but there will be toilets available near the leisure centre
• Disabled viewing spaces: You can get a seat outside the Baptist Church if you call Reverend Dart in advance on 01749 343972

Where can I park?

• Tesco's at Townsend Retail Park has very kindly allowed car parking (not coaches), from 4.00pm 11.00pm on Wednesday 16th November the 3-hour parking limit will be waived. Access in and out of Tescos all evening from West Shepton on the B3136 being your route available.
• Haskins has also very kindly waived the Car Parking fee from 4.00pm to 11.00pm. Exit from Haskins will not be allowed until the marshals deem safe, please be patient. 
• Road closures for the procession are *18:45 hrs, but access to Tesco car park from West Shepton only, will remain open during the Carnival with the exit towards West Shepton on the B3136 being your route available. 
• Shepton Mallet has two central council Car Parks: The Old Market Road Car Park & The Great Ostry Car Park, these are all available for parking with the usual fees being charged until 18:00 hrs.
• Travelling from East Shepton (arriving from Yeovil, Frome and Bristol direction)? To avoid the crowds and congestion at the start of the procession it is better to park at Dobbies Car Park or B & M car park and then walk to watch carnival from about 20:15 hrs at the Charlton Cross Roads or Whitstone Road where you will be able to watch in comfort. 
• Dobbies shop and restaurant will remain open till 18:00 hrs, but their car park will stay open for coaches (without a booking) and cars until 23:00 hrs.

Disabled Parking 

There are a limited amount of space for vehicles which occupants can view the carnival from, which can be booked in advance to guarantee a good view of the carnival, there is a charge of £5 (including free programme). To book a space for Disabled Parking, please telephone Tina Edwards on 01749 840756 

What roads will be closed?

Road closures will be in place from Monday, November 12, to prepare for the event and park the carts. Locations and timings are below.

• Field House, Field View & Cannards Grave Road  - Road closed from 21:00 hrs on Monday 14th November until Midnight on the 16th November for parking of carnival carts. Parking for vehicles without private drives in Cannards Grave Road has been made available at the Council offices. A pass will be posted to residents in Field View and lower Cannards Grave Road. 
• From 06:00 hrs on the 14th November to 18:00 hrs on 16th November - Access to properties on Tadley Acres will be via Whitstone Road only using Webber Road and Hobbs Road. 
• There will be no access or exit using Little Brooks Lane during this period.
• Whitstone Road  - will be closed from 21:00 hrs on Monday 14th November to 06.00 hrs on Tuesday morning 15th November. Access to properties during this period will be on a one way system, direction of travel is from the Charlton Traffic Lights to the Flock Roundabout.  This road is being used to muster the carnival carts on arrival in Shepton Mallet. Wednesday 16th November, this road will then close again from *19.30 hrs until end of procession on Carnival night. 
•  Tadley Acres - From 06:00 hrs on the 14th November to 18:00 hrs on 16th November - Access to properties on Tadley Acres will be via Whitstone Road only using Webber Road and Hobbs Road.  There will be no access or exit using Little Brooks Lane during this period.

The following roads will be closed from *18:45hrs until the end of the procession on Carnival night:

• Cannards Grave Road, Townsend, Old Market Road, Commercial Road, Paul Street & Charlton Road. 
• Whitstone Road will close at 19:30hrs.
• * roads may close earlier from 6pm if required for public safety.

No cars are allowed onto the route whilst the procession is taking place so if you may need to leave before it is over please ensure you park where your exit is not onto the route.

How can I donate to the carnival?

As well as collections carts, which will form part of the parade, you can buy a programme, donate to the collectors walking the route or

Where else can I see the Guy Fawkes Carnival?

Shepton Mallet Carnival is part of the Somerset Guy Fawkes Circuit.

The Guy Fawkes Circuit starts at Bridgwater continuing to Burnham on Sea, Weston-Super-Mare, North Petherton, Shepton Mallet, Wells and finishing at Glastonbury. If you can't make it to Shepton Mallet, you can try:

• Wells - Friday 18th November at 7:00pm
• Glastonbury - Saturday 19th November at 7:00pm