Somerset’s rival to rio
The next Weston Carnival is on Friday, November 13
Every November, Weston-super-Mare transforms into a glowing spectacle of light, colour, and pure excitement. The world-famous Weston-super-Mare Carnival is the highlight of the year for locals – and once you experience it, you’ll understand why visitors return again and again. This unforgettable evening is widely celebrated as the largest illuminated procession in the world. And trust us – it’s something you truly have to see to believe.
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A Dazzling Spectacle
Imagine this:
Gigantic carnival carts – some stretching over 100 feet long and costing up to £25,000 to create – rolling through the streets, covered in thousands upon thousands of shimmering lights while the music pumps out. Each one is a moving masterpiece. Each one tells a story and each one carries performers, dancing and acting as the procession moves through the town.
And together, they create an atmosphere that rivals even the famous Rio Carnival – right here in Weston-super-Mare.
Expect:
- Jaw-dropping illuminated floats
- High-energy performances and music
- Creative themes and stunning costumes
- A buzzing crowd of thousands lining the streets
It’s vibrant. It’s magical. It’s completely unforgettable.
A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering
The Somerset Carnivals are one of the UK’s best-kept secrets. Touring through towns like Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Glastonbury, North Petherton, Shepton Mallet, Wells and Weston. The carnival brings communities together in a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and friendly rivalry.
Behind the scenes, dedicated carnival clubs spend all year working in secret barns, designing and building their next show-stopping creations. The competition is fierce, the passion is real – and the results are simply spectacular.
Plan Your Visit
Visitors travel from across the UK to experience this incredible night, accommodation fills up fast – so make sure you book early and turn your visit into a full seaside getaway.
Don’t miss your chance to witness one of the most extraordinary events in the UK calendar. There is no set entrance fee but spectators are expected to give generously to the bucket collections and the stewards with card readers.
Come for the lights. Stay for the atmosphere. And leave already planning your return.
What Visitors say about Weston’s carnival
Here’s a selection of some of the comments left on our Visit Weston Facebook page after the 2025 Weston-super-Mare Carnival. We thank them for allowing us to reproduce their comments here:
Absolutely the best carnival I ever seen. Amazing. Thank you to everyone that does it for the public – Pat Rowely
Spectacular! Breath taking workmanship in all the floats WOW! – Myra Keatley Lill
Came down from Derbyshire. This was my Fourth year and looking forward to next year – Graham Burton
Coming to Carnival since I was a little girl. Tonight’s was one of best Thank you to everyone involved in bringing yet another fantastic night to Weston Super Mare – Amanda Hignett
They get bigger and better every year. – Judy Stambouly
Fabulous show. So much creativity, hard work and dedication. Thank you xx – Diane Walton
1st time for me but definitely won’t be the last. Absolutely amazing – Sally Williams
Absolutely amazing night – Suzanne Frederick-Bird
It really was absolutely fantastic, loved every minute! Thank you to all involved – Claire Brook
Our 1st time & travelled up from East Sussex. Fantastic event. Well done all who made this happen.- Greeny Green
So much time, thought, dedication and hard work, but totally worth if for the support and a great crowd tonight – Andrea Anning
a night out you’ll never forget
Weston-super-Mare Carnival isn’t just an event – it’s a tradition, a spectacle, and a night you’ll never forget.
