On November 15, 2023, the streets of Shepton Mallet will once again be ablaze with lights and colours as the annual Carnival procession illuminates the town.

Kicking off at 7:30 pm sharp, this historic event continues the Guy Fawkes Carnival tradition that sweeps through Somerset each year.

The Route: A Journey Through Shepton Mallet

The carnival will start at 7.30pm 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.

Road Closures and Travel Notices

Carnival Preparation Period: Monday 13th November to Wednesday 15th November

• Cannards Grave Road Restrictions: Starting at 9:00 pm on 13th November until midnight on 15th November, Cannards Grave Road will be closed for the parking of carnival floats. Alternative parking has been organised at the Council offices for residents without private drives and passes will be sent to affected households in Field View and the lower parts of Cannards Grave Road.
• Tadley Acres Access: From 6:00 am on 13th November until 6:00 pm on 15th November, property access in Tadley Acres will be redirected to Whitstone Road, utilising Webber Road and Hobbs Road. It's important to note that Little Brooks Lane will not be available for entry or exit during these times.
• Whitstone Road Closure and One-Way System: On 13th November, from 9:00 pm until 6:00 am the following morning, Whitstone Road will be closed to facilitate the carnival floats' muster. Access to properties will be maintained via a one-way system running from the Charlton Traffic Lights to the Flock Roundabout.

Carnival Day: Wednesday 15th November

• Extended Road Closures: From 6:45 pm until the carnival procession concludes, the following roads will be closed: Cannards Grave Road, Townsend, Old Market Road, Commercial Road, Paul Street, and Charlton Road. Whitstone Road will join the closures at 7:30 pm.
• Vehicle Access During Carnival: Entry and exit via Hobbs Road from the Flock Roundabout will be controlled by marshals during the procession to allow vehicle movement when safe.

Please note that these closures might commence earlier, potentially from 6:00 pm, if deemed necessary for public safety. Additionally, it's imperative to remember that no vehicles are allowed onto the carnival route during the procession. If you anticipate needing to leave before the event concludes, ensure you park your vehicle in a location where your exit doesn't intersect with the procession route.

Parking and Accessibility

For Attendees Arriving from West Shepton (Wells & Glastonbury Direction):

• Tesco Townsend Retail Park: Tesco has generously lifted their 3-hour parking restriction from 4.00pm to 11.00pm, specifically for the carnival. Access to and from the Tesco car park will remain available throughout the evening via West Shepton on the B3136.
• Haskins Car Park: Haskins will also offer free parking from 4.00pm to 11.00pm. Exit from Haskins will be controlled by marshals, so patience is appreciated as they work to ensure safety.

Central Car Parks in Shepton Mallet:

• Council Car Parks: The Old Market Road Car Park and The Great Ostry Car Park are available, with regular parking fees applying until 6:00 pm.

For Attendees Arriving from East Shepton (Yeovil, Frome, and Bristol Direction):

• Dobbies and B & M Car Parks: To avoid the procession's starting point congestion, parking at Dobbies or B & M is advisable. Both are a comfortable walking distance from viewing areas at Charlton Cross Roads or Whitstone Road. Dobbies will close its shop and restaurant at 6:00 pm, but the car park will remain open for coaches (no booking required) and cars until 11:00 pm.

Disabled Parking and Seating:

• Reserved Disabled Parking: Limited spaces are available for those who wish to view the carnival from their vehicle. These can be booked for £5, which includes a free programme. Please contact Tina Edwards at 01749 840756 to secure a spot.
• Disabled Seating: For those who need seating, arrangements can be made by contacting Rev. G. Dart at 01749 343972 for seats outside the Shepton Mallet Baptist Church.

Road Closure Reminder: Please note that road closures for the procession begin at 6:45 pm, but access to Tesco's car park from West Shepton will remain open for the duration of the carnival.

What's the best place to watch Shepton Mallet Carnival?

Viewing is possible from anywhere along the route except the rest area at the beginning of Paul Street, and although it is tempting to congregate near the beginning of the route you may have a better view choosing a spot nearer the end along Charlton Road and Whitstone Road where crowds are thinner.

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 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 17th November at 7:00pm
• Glastonbury - Saturday 18th November at 7:00pm