Carnival season is upon us once again, and Wells is ready to bring back the magic with its lively procession.

The local clubs are all set to dazzle with their unique themes; from Globe CC taking us on a historic journey through London's taverns to Gorgons CC portraying dragon warlords.

Mendip Vale's cart Wham! Bam! Thank you Glam! A tribute to the Glam rock era, the float will transport spectators straight to a concert featuring spinning stars, guitars, and drum kits, while Cobra, plan to whisk carnival-goers away to the Wild West.

The fun kicks off this year on Friday, 17 November. Here's all you need to know if you're planning to attend the Wells Carnival this year:

When and how to get there

As for most carnivals, you will need to get there early to avoid the road closures. The procession starts at 7pm, but roads will be closed from 6pm, including some all-day closures, which start at 9am.

Road Restrictions

From Friday, 17 November at 6am to Saturday, 18 November at 4am:

• Tor Street (B3139): No parking allowed. This will be the main access route to Wells from Bishops Park Way (A371) and will also serve as the primary exit route.
• Morrisons Supermarket: Full access will be available from the Glastonbury roundabout until 6pm on Friday.

Road Closures

Starting at 6pm on Friday, 17 November:

• The following streets will be closed: Bishops Park Way, Strawberry Way, Tucker Street, Chamberlain Street, Sadler Street, High Street, Broad Street, Priory Road, and all surrounding roads.
• Glastonbury Road & Travel towards Coxley, Polsham & Glastonbury (A39): A diversion will be in place. Roads will reopen as soon as possible post-carnival.
• Bishops Parkway and travel towards Shepton Mallet: Follow the official diversion route.

After 6pm, access to Crandon Springs Care Home, Fletcher House, and Wand Road Estate will be possible only via escort from carnival marshals. For more information, contact Chief Marshall, Mr Rob Petch, at 07729676596.

Bus services: Before and during the carnival

• Service 77 between Wells and Yeovil remains unaffected, with the last service departing at 18:10.
• The Wells-Axbridge Service 126 is also unaffected, with the last bus leaving at 17:50.
• Services going to Taunton and Bridgwater are currently unaffected and only operate to and from Glastonbury.
• Services 172, 173, and 174 will be rerouted via The Old Wheelwright Cottages on Portway.
• For Service 376 heading towards Bristol, the route will go via The Old Wheelwright Cottages on Portway.
• Service 376 going towards Street will also use The Old Wheelwright Cottages on Portway, before continuing via Jocelyn Drive and Keward Estate.

Diversion Route

The official diversion during the road closures will be via Green Ore (B3135).

Parking

Official car parking will be at Wells Rugby Club. While Tesco and Morrison car parks may be open, there is no agreement to waive the parking time limit, which means you will be parking at your own risk. Check the Wells City Carnival Facebook page for up-to-the-minute updates

Stoberry School and Wells Cathedral School will both have parking for the night.

Best vantage points

The parade will gather on the Wells relief road, coming in from the direction of Shepton Mallet. The parade will kick off on Strawberry Way, just past the roundabout, and conclude at the Priory Road roundabout.

Please note, this year's carnival will once again finish at the Sherston Inn.

Where to stand

If you have children with you (or a weak bladder) then Chamberlain Street, High Street and Priory Road near Princes Street are best because you are not too far away from public toilets.

Standing along Sadler Street means you can have a nice meal in one of the central restaurants and pop out when it is time for the carnival.

To leave fairly quickly after the event, you can park on South Street (note parking is limited) and then walk over to Broad Street. South Street itself will not be closed so while it may be busy, you do not have to wait for road closures to be lifted to travel home.