The much-anticipated Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea Carnival will return tonight, Monday, November 9, with illuminated carts and performers set to take over the town for the dazzling procession.
The historic event will feature new start times for 2026. A series of road closures, parking suspensions and other traffic restrictions are being introduced around the route.
Here is everything you need to know if you are heading to the carnival tonight.
What time does the carnival start?
The pre-procession will move off at 6.45pm, before the main procession begins at 7pm.
The official starting point is at the traffic lights on Love Lane, close to the roundabout and Tesco supermarket.
Organisers have warned that the nearby roundabout acts as a merge point. This means spectators watching before the official starting point may find that not all entries are performing or in pose.
What is the carnival route?
The procession will set off from the traffic lights on Love Lane before following this route:
- Love Lane, towards the Esso filling station
- Manor Road
- Left into Victoria Street
- Through the High Street
- Old Station Approach
- Marine Drive
- The procession will finish in the Marine Drive and Old Station Approach area
Spectators should be aware that the first section of the High Street will operate as a rest area and spectator-free zone. Anyone attempting to watch from this area will be asked to move.
Where can I park?
A number of carnival car parks are due to be available from 3pm today.
These are:
- Oxford Street, opposite Lidl
- Old Station Approach
- B&M
En-route parking is also listed at the High Street car park, on Old Station Approach, which can be booked online.
Visitors should leave plenty of time to park and walk to their chosen viewing point.
Which roads are closing?
From Saturday November 7 to Tuesday November 10, Burnham-On-Sea will be subject to road closures and traffic restrictions which may affect car access to homes and businesses.
Road closures will be put in place on Queens Drive and Frank Foley Parkway from 7pm Saturday November 7.
From today, Monday November 9, the following road closures are expected to be in place around 5pm:
- Love Lane
- Manor Road
- Victoria Street
- High Street
- Marine Drive
These closures are permitted to remain in place until 1am on Tuesday, November 10, although organisers plan to reopen roads sooner where it's safe to do so.
Burnham Road will closed from around 8:30pm when the first cart reaches Marine Drive, and will reopen after the final cart has finished. Organisers expect this to be before midnight.
Where are parking restrictions in place?
Parking suspensions are in place across a number of roads in Burnham during the carnival period.
Restrictions applying from 6:30am Saturday 7 until 1am on Tuesday 10 cover:
- Ben Travers Way
- Frank Foley Parkway
- B3140 Queens Drive
- Pepperell Road
- Burnham Road (on both sides from the junction with the A38 Church Street to Pepperell Road Roundabout)
Further parking suspensions are in place from 6.30am today until 1am Tuesday on:
- Abingdon Street
- Church Street
- High Street
- Victoria Street
- Archer Drive
- Berrow Road
- College Street
- Killarney Avenue
- Marine Drive, including Old Station Approach
- Rosewood Avenue
- Manor Road
The affected areas will be marked by signage and no-waiting cones.
Where are the clearway and tow-away restrictions?
Temporary clearway and tow-away measures can also be enforced from 2pm today until 1am Tuesday on:
- Burnham Road
- Highbridge Road
- Worston Lane
- Killarney Avenue
- Rosewood Drive
- Archer Drive
- Priory Gardens
Organisers say signage will clearly mark the affected areas.
What safety advice has been issued?
Spectators are being asked to watch the carnival from the pavements and behind crowd barriers where they are provided.
People should not walk alongside carnival entrants, cross the road in front of entries or pass between them.
Spectators are also being asked not to obstruct stewards or judges, and not to sit on the pavement with their feet extending into the road.
As the carnival can also be extremely loud, organisers recommend ear defenders or other hearing protection for younger, vulnerable or noise-sensitive spectators.
Organisers have arrangements in place to help children or vulnerable adults who become separated from family or friends during the event, and a facility to look after lost individuals.
Parents and carers should contact the nearest steward in the first instance, and the steward will then assist with safely reuniting them.
"The living heartbeat of our community"
Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea Carnival Committee chair Kim Cassell said the event represented much more than the procession itself.
She said: "Our carnival is more than just a parade; it is the living heartbeat of our community.
"For generations, these traditions have brought us together, turning months of hard work and local craftsmanship into a celebration that defines who we are.
"By supporting the carnival, we aren’t just keeping the spectacle alive - we are investing in local pride, supporting the charities that rely on our donations, ensuring that our unique heritage continues to inspire the next generation."
She added: "We warmly welcome you to join us on this journey. Whether you want to share your skills behind the scenes, marshal or offer other support on the night, there is a place for everyone.
"Let’s work together to keep the lights bright and the music playing for years to come."
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