Nestled in-between the Somerset Levels, Quantocks and Mendip Hills, Bridgwater is surrounded by some of the county’s finest countryside, but its location has also made it a key player within the distribution industry. And of course, no one can talk about Bridgwater without mentioning the Carnival!

OUR TOWN

Brian Smedley
Leader of Bridgwater Town Council 

If you had to describe Bridgwater in three keywords, what would they be, and why?

I think WORKING CLASS is two words that mean one, and that’s what sets Bridgwater out from the rest of the county. The people here have been shaped by their relationship to industry and particularly the labour-intensive nature of it from the brick yards to the docks to the present-day distribution warehouses.

I think RADICAL is true of Bridgwater throughout our history from the peasant’s revolt of 1381 to the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685, and from being the first town to petition against the Slave Trade in 1785 to the only town in Britain to elect an MP on an anti-fascist platform in 1938. Then, in recent years with the Anti-Poll Tax campaign in 1990 or even the campaign to save Sedgemoor Splash when we occupied the swimming pool to prevent it from being demolished. I’d call that ‘radical’.

And then I’d say CREATIVE. Look at the carnival and the wealth of talent on stage at the carnival concerts, the technical skills and craftsmanship that goes into building the carts and the sets. Also, the film-making hub that is the Engine Room, where the tradition of original and radical creativity continues to this day. 

Where is your favourite place in Bridgwater and why?

One of my favourite places is West Quay. Today it’s very much like a Bridgwater version of the ‘Rives Gauche’ in Paris. A ‘left bank’ of open air cafes, one of the best pubs in town and a popular chip shop.

 

Emma Britton
Presenter, Event Host & Celebrant

Can you tell our readers a little about your work within the town and Somerset?

I worked for the BBC for 13 years as a local radio presenter and then in 2020 I became a celebrant so I now write and conduct ceremonies for important moments in people’s lives… funerals, weddings, baby naming and renewal of vows. 

If you had to describe Bridgwater in three keywords what would they be, and why?

Community, friendly & of course CARNIVAL! To me Bridgwater has an enormous sense of community and local people are down to earth, approachable and friendly. They are generally proud of where they live despite the many challenges of modern life. Our annual carnival is such a big event attracting thousands and thousands of visitors and bringing a sense of pride to everyone associated with Bridgwater. I’m an associate member of the carnival committee and run the social media pages for the event which is almost a full-time job in itself during October & November!

Bridgwater, like all towns, has had to adapt to the changes required by the community. What changes do you hope to see for the town? The building of Hinkley Point C has brought many changes to our town including employment and community facilities. I think most local people though would love to see a few more shops return to our town centre.

Where is your favourite place in Bridgwater and why?

I love coffee shops and cafés and I have two favourites in Bridgwater – The Bridge Café in the town centre and The Purplespoon next to the canal. These are my favourite meeting spots!

Mike Crocker
President Bridgwater Carnival 

Can you tell our readers about what makes the Bridgwater Carnival such a special event?

Bridgwater Carnival is the highlight of the year, there is no doubt about that. There cannot be many families in the town who don't have someone connected with carnival in one way or another. Once the St. Matthew's fair is over and the carnival concerts begin there is a buzz in the town with anticipation growing every day until carnival day itself.

As soon as is possible after the end of the procession the unique Squibbing takes place in the High Street, this is the only place in the country where this takes place, the origins of which go back centuries to when a bonfire was lit on the Cornhill and effigies of Guy Fawkes were thrown on to the bonfire and the people would sing and dance around the bonfire to celebrate the fact that Guy Fawkes did NOT succeed in his attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament!

If you had to describe Bridgwater in three key words what would they be, and why?

HISTORIC. Bridgwater Guy Fawkes carnival whose origins go back to the 'Gunpowder Plot' in 1605. Also, Cromwell's 'General at Sea', Admiral Robert Blake was born in our town.

FRIENDLY. With so many different nationalities now residing in the town, I believe we have a friendly and accepting community.

PROGRESSIVE. We have new housing developments, new hotels and now, the new entertainment complex 'Northgate Yard' with a seven-screen cinema, bowling alley and several restaurants.

Chris Burman J
Chair of Bridgwater Arts Centre 

If you had to describe Bridgwater in three keywords, what would they be, and why?

Impossible in three words, but if I could share three things, then firstly, I would start with the old town centre that has a fantastic HERITAGE. Secondly, I have to say the CARNIVAL is amazing and it's great to see the crowds enjoying it each year. Thirdly, the calmness of the CANAL that runs through the town centre is a great walk or cycle ride, with some great nature to enjoy on the way.

Bridgwater, like all towns, has had to adapt to the changes required by the community. What changes do you foresee happening/ hope to happen in Bridgwater?

The town is growing in size and employment levels are good, not least due to the massive impact of Hinkley Point. I think the challenge is how we continue to create a sense of community and how to get people to engage with each other in a world in which families are encouraged to stay at home by the multitude of online services that don't encourage human inter-action. 

Where is your favourite place in Bridgwater and why?

Apart from the atmospheric cellars of the arts centre (which really should become part of a town history tour), the Unitarian chapel is a must, with its ancient well within the doorway entrance, and the old wooden booths in which you can just imagine the families sitting each Sunday in days gone by.