Stage set for Wellington Carnival 2026

Thousands of people will line our streets tomorrow night (Saturday) as Wellington Carnival makes a welcome return.

Carnival clubs, majorette troupes, schools, community organisations, collectors, emergency vehicles and visiting guests will come together for an unforgettable evening of free entertainment.

This year’s parade will begin from Rockwell Green at 7.30pm. Windy Wheelers Motor Cycles will set off five minutes earlier to lead the procession through the town.

The parade will travel over Hilly Head, along Mantle Street and through the town centre, finishing at the Priory junction.

Here is all you need to know from the organisers …

MAIN EVENT SPONSOR – ELLISONS COMMERCIAL TRAINING

We are incredibly proud and grateful to welcome Ellisons Commercial Training as the Main Event Sponsor of Wellington Carnival 2026.

Ellisons Commercial Training has generously sponsored our Grand Illuminated Procession, our Official Carnival Programme and the Majorette Class. This fantastic support makes a significant contribution towards staging this year’s carnival.

As a local business supporting a major community event, we are truly humbled by their generosity and commitment to Wellington Carnival. Please look out for the Ellisons Commercial Training vehicles in the main parade and give them a huge Wellington welcome as they travel along the route.

A HUGE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

Wellington Carnival is made possible through months of planning and fundraising by a small team of passionate volunteers, together with tremendous support from local businesses, organisations and the wider community.

Wellington Town Council has awarded the carnival a grant towards its considerable running costs. Its continued support of this important community event is greatly appreciated.

Oneline Wellington has provided generous sponsorship, a valued contribution and continued support, helping us meet the substantial costs of keeping this much-loved tradition on the streets of Wellington.

Work Wear Online has supplied the fantastic official collectors’ tops. Look out for collectors wearing their Give Us A £1 tops and carrying branded collection buckets.

Special Occasion Mascots will bring a selection of lookalike characters to support the Give Us A £1 campaign and entertain younger spectators and families along the route.

The committee also thanks Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, Somerset Council, the Police, Fire and Ambulance Services, the South Somerset Carnival Committees, Weston Medical Services, every sponsor, volunteer, organisation and supporter helping to make Wellington Carnival 2026 possible.

KEY INFORMATION FOR SPECTATORS

PROCESSION

Saturday 26 September. Windy Wheelers at approximately 7.25pm; Grand Illuminated Procession at 7.30pm prompt.

ROUTE

Rockwell Green • Hilly Head • Mantle Street • Town Centre • Priory Junction.

QUIETER VIEWING

Hilly Head is traditionally a quieter section of the route and may suit families, older visitors and anyone who prefers to avoid the busiest town-centre areas.

MARSHALS

Please follow every instruction from volunteer marshals, respect barriers and road closures, keep emergency access clear and cross only where directed.

 

ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS

To protect spectators, participants, marshals and event staff, road closures and traffic restrictions will operate throughout the afternoon and evening. Drivers are asked to move vehicles away from the procession route by 5.00pm at the latest.

  • 2pm-6pm: A one-way traffic system will operate between Perry Elm Roundabout and Bagley Road.
  • No access into Wellington from Perry Elm Roundabout.
  • Monument View: vehicles leaving must turn left.
  • Access to Monument View and the Caravan Park is via Bagley Road. Caravan Park residents leaving should turn right.
  • From 6pm: Perry Elm Roundabout to Bagley Road will be fully closed.
  • From 6.30pm until approximately 11pm, or until safe to reopen: Town Centre roads from Bagley Road (Rockwell Green) through to Longforth Roundabout will be closed.

Once closures are active, no vehicles may pass through officially closed roads except Police, Fire and Ambulance vehicles. Please listen to our marshals and follow their instructions.

FACILITIES AND WELFARE

TOILETS

Start Line • Longforth Road • Priory / finish area

FIRST AID

Medical cover is provided by Weston Medical Services.

MISSING PERSONS

The Community Hub is the official missing persons point. Speak to the nearest marshal immediately if help is needed.

ACCESS & SAFETY

Keep exits and emergency routes clear. Be aware of large vehicles and pedestrians throughout the event area.

RESIDENT AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION

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