West Bay & Bridport - Dorset

Bridport Carnival - 2026
Torchlight Procession

Bridport Carnival - Saturday, 22nd August, 7:00pm
Torchlight Procession - Cancelled

Torchight Procession, bonfire and fireworks - Cancelled due to wildfire risk

Each year Bridport Carnival is a highlight of the town's calendar. The fun packed extravaganza includes a grand procession held on the third Saturday of August each year. This procession of floats travels up West Street, then down South Street. Other activities have included carnival darts, carnival golf, a grand car boot sale, carnival fete and a fun fair at Asker Meadows as well as the traditional Sunday evening Torchlight Procession from Bridport to West Bay. This awesome spectacle involves 1,500 blazing torches being carried by families as they snake their way to the Bay for a celebration with live music and fireworks on East Beach.

Bridport Carnival was resurrected in 1971 following a long absence, though a previous carnival event existed back in 1911. Photographic evidence in 1923 suggested it was held during August Bank Holiday weekend, which in those days was at the beginning of the month. A carnival has been held every year since (except for 2020 and 2021 due to the covid-19 pandemic).

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This event is listed in good faith but may be subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. Although we will endeavour to keep information up to date, we cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies. Therefore visitors are advised to confirm with the organisers before committing to any long distance journeys.