Carnival Routes And Viewing Advice 2018

The famous Somerset Carnival season is nearly here! We have used our inside knowledge to identify some good locations top watch the amazing floats go by. Unless you happen to be as tall as one of our giraffes you’ll need to make sure you arrive early to get a good view. The Carnival is a great free show and we have picked three routes for you to enjoy.

Midsomer Norton – Monday 12^th November

The carnival starts on Charlton road at 7.30pm.

It travels down Silver Street and the High Street before finishing on Radstock Road. The route for Midsomer Norton is one of the shortest on the Carnival circuit so tends to be crowded in the town centre.

Parking in Westfield Trading Estate and then joining the procession route at Charlton Road is a good option. Alternative places include Norton Hill School, the Old Train Station, outside the Town Hall, by Stones Cross are all good options in the town centre. Finally, you can park in nearby Radstock and walk back along Radstock Road to watch the finish of the Carnival near Welton Primary School.

Image by : Illuminated Carnival

Wells – Friday 16th of November 2018.

The procession starts 7.00pm at the Sherston roundabout, making its way up Strawberry Way before taking a right-turn at Halfords onto Tucker Street.

Passing by Tesco’s and the Esso garage before heading up Chamberlain Street against the one-way system (the road will be closed to other traffic), then taking a right onto Sadler Street. Floats will then pass through the historic city centre via the High Street and Broad Street before heading down Priory Road and then back to where they started at Sherston roundabout.

Spots around the High Street and marketplace are likely to packed, so as an alternative the area near the Library could be a good city centre alternative. Other ideas could include parking in or near the Tesco’s car-park so you can watch while staying near to your vehicle. The route down Priory Road means passing some popular watering holes like the Rose and Crown and Wetherspoon’s so are likely to be crowded, but as mentioned, getting in early will make the difference. Wells is one of the most popular places to watch the Carnival and there is always a great atmosphere but do prepared for a longer walk and more crowds.

Image By: Wells Somerset Carnival

Glastonbury – Saturday 17^th November

The carnival begins at the Northload Roundabout at 7.00pm. Continue along the A39 up until Wirral Park Roundabout (B&Q). Turn left onto the A361, Street Road (Part of this section is a designated Rest Area where performances are briefly halted). Turn left into Magdalene Street. Continue into the High Street. Turn left onto Wells Road. FINISH: along Wells Road with the junction of Manor House Road.

Most people usually watch from Tor Leisure Centre to allow for an easy walk home, while there are usually big crowds along the High Street and Wells Road. Standing near the roundabout at the Globe Inn means you get a great view of the floats side on. For people with children an ideal place is around Leg of Mutton Road where there tend to be smaller crowds. For the disabled, there is a viewing platform set up outside St Dunstan’s house.