Wells City Carnival is back on Friday 14 November 2025, promising an unforgettable night of glowing carts, live music, street food and thousands lining the streets for one of the world's biggest illuminated parades.

Whether you're a first-timer or a local regular, here's your definitive guide to the 2025 Wells Carnival — from the best places to stand and park, to where to stay and what to expect.

What time does Wells Carnival start?

The procession begins at 7pm sharp, but if you want a good view, arrive well before. Crowds typically gather from late afternoon, especially near High Street and Broad Street.

What is the route for Wells City Carnival 2025?

The parade assembles on the Wells Relief Road (Shepton Mallet side) and follows this route:

• Strawberry Way
• Tucker Street
• Chamberlain Street
• Sadler Street
• High Street
• Broad Street
• Ends at former The Sherston Inn, Priory Road

A downloadable route map is available at wellscitycarnival.co.uk.

Best places to stand

• Chamberlain Street – Close to shops, toilets and more family-friendly
• High Street & Priory Road – Brilliant central view, but busy
• Broad Street – More space, good for late arrivals or early exits

Where to park for Wells Carnival 2025

Council-run car parks are free after 6pm, including:

• Tesco, Tucker Street
• Tucker Street Car Park
• Princes Street
• South Street
• Whiting Way
• Union Street

Other options:

• Morrisons – free 5pm to midnight
• Waitrose (Whiting Way) – free after 5pm
• Studio24, Priory Road
• JustPark behind Peacocks
• Priory Road (by Orient Express)
• Stoberry Park School – 100 spaces from 5.30pm (£5 cash)

Wells Carnival 2025 road closures and bus diversions – Friday 14 November

Wells city centre roads will shut from 6pm on Friday 14 November ahead of the Wells City Carnival procession, which begins at 7pm.

Bus services 172, 173 and 174 will not stop in the city centre during the parade. Instead, First Bus will use a temporary stop on Portway near the Old Wheelwright Cottages. Staff and marshals will be on hand to guide passengers.

The First Bus 376 route (Bristol – Wells – Street – Bridgwater) will be suspended between Wells and Street from 6pm to 11pm. The last bus before suspension departs Wells at 5.03pm and Street at 5.14pm. Services will resume at 11.38pm from Wells and 12.12am from Street. Other services between Taunton and Bridgwater will run as normal.

Accessibility tips

There's no official viewing area listed, but:

• The route is mostly level and accessible
• Priory Road and Broad Street offer better space and visibility
• Portable toilets are placed near key car parks

Weather forecast for Wells Carnival 2025

Storm Claudia's rain is expected to clear just in time for the illuminated procession. Heavy downpours and a yellow weather warning have dominated much of Friday, but forecasters say the rain should move away at around 5.30pm, leaving a dry but cloudy evening with temperatures of 13–14°C and a moderate easterly wind.

Thousands of carnival-goers and performers will no doubt be watching the skies, but organisers have confirmed the event is going ahead as planned but warned people to bring a waterproof - just in case.

Where to stay

Accommodation fills fast for carnival weekend. Book early. Top picks:

Here are the hotels with hyperlinks added for The White Hart, The Ancient Gatehouse, and The Crown at Wells:

• The Cross at Croscombe – 5 en-suite rooms, EV charging, 2 miles from Wells
• The Swan Hotel, Wells – In the heart of the city
• Premier Inn Wells (Somerset) – Budget‑friendly, good access
• Cathedral View Glamping – Stunning location, walkable distance
• The White Hart, Wells – characterful inn just steps from Wells Cathedral with 15 en-suite rooms
• The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel, Wells – charming guesthouse on Sadler Street, close to the Cathedral Green
• The Crown at Wells – 15‑room former coaching inn in the very centre of Wells

Wells on parade: the local clubs behind this year's spectaculars

Cobra CC – The Devil Riders

Cobra Carnival Club's 2025 entry, The Devil Riders, follows a biker gang who sold their souls to the Devil and escaped from Hell for one last ride down Route 66 – all set to a roaring AC/DC soundtrack.

Globe CC – Jesters Haunt

Globe Carnival Club's 2025 entry, Jesters Haunt, takes carnival-goers into an eerie woodland playground where ghostly jesters linger in the shadows. After last year's Driven by Precision, the club returns with a darker theme.

Gorgons CC – Showboat

Gorgons Carnival Club presents Showboat, inspired by the iconic musical and powered by Proud Mary. The 2025 return to a 100ft cart brings a bigger spectacle, with choreography by Shelly Ford and costume design by Lynn and Charlotte Mitchell-Davis.

(Photo: Mendip Vale CC/Facebook)

Mendip Vale CC – Starlight

Celebrating 60 years of carnival spirit, Mendip Vale Carnival Club unveils Starlight – a high-energy ride through steam, diesel and electric dreams. The family-run club credits late-night builds, fundraising and community support for bringing this year's glowing entry to life.

Final tips for carnival night

• Bring cash – charity collectors walk the route
• Avoid parking near the procession – side streets fill early
• Consider car-sharing or public transport if you can
• Dress warm and arrive early

Why this event is unmissable

Wells Carnival is part of the Somerset Guy Fawkes Carnival Circuit — a tradition dating back centuries and home to some of the largest illuminated carts in the world. From the technical brilliance of the floats to the incredible community spirit behind them, this is Somerset at its show-stopping best.

More local stories:

• Relive the spectacle of Wells Carnival 2024 – Stunning images and highlights from last year's illuminated parade
• Be part of something amazing – Wells Carnival clubs seek new members – Join the teams behind Somerset's most spectacular show

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