Published: July 30, 2012
In photos: Burnham couple take part in Olympic squibbing ceremony

A Burnham-On-Sea couple have spoken of their pride at taking part in an historic ceremony to mark the opening of the London 2012 Olympics.

Burnham Carnival Chairman Phil New and his wife Jayne, right, travelled to Weymouth at the weekend where Bridgwater Carnival's unique squibbing ceremony took place to mark the start of the Olympics, the first time in its 300 year-old history that the event has been held outside Bridgwater.

Phil and Jayne were among over 220 performers from Somerset carnival clubs who took part in the display, which saw a row of people holding giant sparkling fireworks during the 'Battle of the Winds' ceremony on Weymouth Beach.

Phil told Burnham-On-Sea.com afterwards: "It was a brilliant evening - so memorable. It will stay with us forever."

"We were really honoured to take part and it was great to see large crowds turn out to watch the whole ceremony."

Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival's Squibbing Officer, Clive Kett, confirmed it was the first time in the recorded history of squibbing - which dates back to around 1700 - that the event has been held outside of Bridgwater.

Sedgemoor District Council Chairman Gill Slocombe was also among the group taking part in the sparkling ceremony to celebrate the start of the London Games.

Seven coaches ferried the squibbers from Somerset carnival groups including Marketeers, British Flag, Vagabonds, Cavaliers, Crusaders, Centurion, Newmarket, Pentathlon, Renegades, Gremlins, Wills, Griffins, Lyme Kilne, YMCA, Marina Sydenham, Ramblers and Wilfs.

Pictured: The Olympic squibbing ceremony (Photos: Andy Slocombe)