Shepton Mallet Carnival 2026: route, parking and times

By Laura Linham 13th Nov 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 2 minutes ago

Shepton Mallet Carnival 2026 takes place on Wednesday, 18 November, with the illuminated procession starting at 7.30pm. The free event begins outside the former Mendip council offices on Cannards Grave Road and finishes on Whitstone Road.

The procession travels along Cannards Grave Road and through the town before continuing towards Commercial Road and Charlton Road. Spectators can expect illuminated carnival carts, street performers and entries from carnival clubs. The event is part of Somerset's Guy Fawkes Carnival circuit.

Where to watch Shepton Mallet Carnival

The start area and town centre get very crowded, according to the organisers. They recommend Charlton Road and Whitstone Road for a more comfortable view and photographs. These roads are nearer the end of the route, where crowds may be thinner.

You can watch from along the route, but avoid the designated performers' rest area by Whitstone School. The carnival website identifies this as the stretch between the school's pedestrian entrance on Charlton Road and its main entrance near Kyte Road.

Shepton Mallet Carnival parking

If you are driving to Shepton Mallet Carnival, organisers advise planning where to park before setting off. Tesco at Townsend Retail Park is allowing carnival parking from 4pm to 11pm, with its usual three-hour limit waived. Access and exit will be via West Shepton and the B3136.

The council car parks at Old Market Road and Great Ostry will be available at their usual charges until 6pm. Haskins is also listed as a parking option, although drivers may need to wait for marshals to allow them to leave.

Visitors arriving from Yeovil, Frome or Bristol, including coaches, are advised to use Dobbies' car park. It is due to stay open for cars and coaches until 11pm, and no coach booking is required. The organisers suggest walking from there to Charlton Cross Roads or Whitstone Road to watch from around 8.15pm. Dobbies' shop and restaurant are expected to close at 6pm.

Disabled parking, programmes and toilets

A limited number of spaces are available for disabled visitors to watch the carnival from their vehicles. The spaces can be booked in advance for £5, including a free programme. To ask about availability, call Tina Edwards on 01749 840756.

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Carnival programmes are due to be sold in shops around Shepton Mallet and during the procession. The organisers say they include information about the entries and local carnival clubs.

The carnival website lists public toilets beside the police station, with portable toilets at Park Road, opposite the Cenotaph; Charlton Road, near the leisure centre; and Old Market Road.

Shepton Mallet Carnival road closures

Road restrictions begin on Tuesday evening, 17 November, as carnival carts are brought into position. On Wednesday, Cannards Grave Road, Townsend, Old Market Road, Commercial Road, Paul Street and Charlton Road are due to close from 6.45pm until the procession has passed. Organisers warn that some roads could close from 6pm if needed for public safety. Whitstone Road is due to close at 7.30pm.

No cars can enter the procession route while the carnival is under way. If you may need to leave before it finishes, park somewhere where your exit does not lead onto the route. After the procession, marshals will direct traffic towards the nearest main road. The A371 towards Wells is expected to remain closed while the carts travel to the Wells Relief Road, potentially until around midnight.

Buses to Shepton Mallet Carnival

South West Coaches' Service 1 will not serve Cannards Grave Road on Wednesday, 18 November. The 5.30pm departure from Yeovil will terminate at Cannards Grave roundabout, and other roads are due to close from 6pm. Check the latest bus information before travelling.

There is no admission charge, but official collectors will be on the streets during the procession. The organisers say the collections go to local charities and community groups, so bring cash if you would like to contribute. Wrap up warm, arrive in good time and allow extra time for getting in and out of town.