The countdown is underway to a very special Burnham-On-Sea Carnival on Monday November 9th, 2026 as organisers mark 80 years of the event with one of the biggest processions for years.
Carnival Chair Kim Cassell told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It’s a very special year for us with the 80th anniversary, and the carnival will be returning with one of its biggest parades in years.”
The event dates back to 1946, when the Burnham and Highbridge committees united to welcome the troops home and bring carnival to the two towns.
She added that Burnham-On-Sea Carnival entries are going strong. “We will have our biggest procession for quite a while. It will be a special night.”
To mark the milestone, the committee is planning a Bunting Bonanza, with local people invited to design their own flag. The flag designs will be turned into carnival bunting and displayed in shop windows.
Entries will be on show in the windows of Scotts Furnishings on Victoria Street from the October half-term through to carnival night on November 9th, 2026. There is a £1 entry fee per design.
Kim said the committee hopes to build and grow the display each year and to widen the number of shop windows taking part. “We hope all ages will get involved. I’ve already distributed some material to residential and care homes in Burnham and Highbridge so that people who can’t always come to the carnival on the night can still take part.”
Volunteers are being sought to help on the day and night of the carnival. Any hours are appreciated, and marshals are needed from 5pm. “It would be amazing to get more townspeople involved in helping to ensure the event runs smoothly,” she said.
“No experience is required — just enthusiasm! A full briefing and hi-vis will be provided.”
Visitors will be encouraged to give donations to help cover the ever-increasing costs of holding the event. “Every penny counts. We fundraise through the year and all donations are gratefully appreciated.”
”We will shortly have posters up in shop windows displaying a QR code so passers-by can donate all year round.”
Kim says that while fundraising is a key focus for carnivals across Somerset, the Burnham and Highbridge event is being helped by the carnival traffic team bringing in income from covering local community events through the year, and also by sharing costs with other town carnival committees, particularly through the exchange of equipment.
For more details about the event and how to get involved, email info@hboscarnival.org.uk.
ALSO SEE: Burnham-On-Sea Carnival 2026
