HINKLEY Point C has been confirmed as a major event sponsor of the upcoming Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival.

The largest illuminated procession in Europe will take place on November 4, attracting tens of thousands of people from all over the country and the world.

The event raises huge amounts of money for charities and good causes, and makes a big contribution to the local economy.

It will be able to continue to do so with the funding from Hinkley Point C.

Posting on Twitter, a Bridgwater Carnival spokesperson said: "Hinkley Point C has been confirmed as our main event sponsor for Bridgwater Carnival 2023! Thank you so much for your support once again!"

Mike Crocker, president for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, said: “Community events such as our carnival rely very heavily on the backing and support we receive from the local business sector, and if it wasn’t for this, our carnival would not be as popular or successful as it is.

“We really do appreciate the generosity and kindness of EDF and Hinkley Point C, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for becoming our main event sponsor for 2023.”

David Churches, secretary of Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnivals, said: “The Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnivals are the best illuminated processions in the world, and the resurgence in popularity experienced last year is something we need to be very proud of and embrace.

“We acknowledge the current economic and financial climate is causing difficulties for everyone, and many community events have fallen by the wayside over the past couple of years.

"However, the SCGFCA continue to defy the odds with the carnival spirit burning brighter than ever, and this is testament to every single person involved in our wonderful tradition.”

The carnival has also recently received a £28,881 National Lottery Projects Grant from Arts Council England for its open access programme for arts, museums and libraries projects.

Speaking about this, Mike adds: “This grant was only made possible thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and it's absolutely fantastic news for everybody associated with our carnival.

“I'd like to take this opportunity to thank every person who plays the National Lottery. We wouldn’t be able to do this without you.”

Grandstand seats are now on sale for the carnival, and residents are urged to secure their space before they are sold out. 

Grandstand tickets for the popular procession cost £28, and are available from the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival website and from the Carnival Centre, High Street, Bridgwater.

Meanwhile, the prestigious carnival concerts return to the Bridgwater Town Hall stage between Monday and Saturday, October 2-14. Tickets are available via the website or the Carnival Centre.