BRIDGWATER’S legendary Carnival Concerts will NOT take place “in their current form” next year.

The events – a big fundraiser for the flagship Somerset carnival which takes place the following month – are set to move to another venue, with discussions on-going as to how that will happen, as extensive refurbishment work continues at Bridgwater Town Hall and theatre, due to be completed in November 2026.

A Bridgwater Town Council spokesperson said: “With the extensive renovations to Bridgwater’s Town Hall, the council have announced that the theatre will be closed from March 2026 until late November 2026. “Structural upgrades and exciting additions which will make the theatre and town hall complex a more experience-based venue with large office space are programmed to start imminently and take up to 18 months to complete.

“Following productive discussions with representatives of local community groups, including the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee, it has been mutually agreed that the theatre element of the renovations will take place after the regular Old Folks Show in February 2026.

“Carnival Concerts and other performances will not be held at the Bridgwater Town Hall Theatre with the scheduled reopening of the theatre being November 2026.

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“This decision has been made to allow essential renovation works to proceed in the Theatre as scheduled, without delays or disruption and in the interests of safety.

“Bridgwater Town Council fully acknowledges and deeply regrets any disappointment or inconvenience this may cause to performers, attendees, and the wider community.

“However, these necessary improvements will play a key role in enhancing the long-term legacy, accessibility, safety, and overall experience of the Town Hall Theatre for future events.

“We are grateful for your understanding and ongoing support during this time of transition, your patience and continued commitment to Bridgwater’s rich cultural traditions are hugely appreciated.”

Bridgwater Carnival said it had been involved in discussions over the impact of the renovation and was now looking at alternative plans for the shows, which draw hundreds of spectators each year.

“Throughout this process Bridgwater Town Council has kept us fully informed regarding the ongoing major refurbishment works at the town hall and the obvious effects these will have on our shows,” a carnival spokesperson said.

“We are naturally extremely saddened that this means the Carnival Concerts will not be staged at this venue in 2026, yet we fully understand the reasoning behind this difficult decision being taken.

“We know that clubs and the community share our disappointment and therefore we are already considering other possibilities to ensure that the show will go on in one way or another.”

Meanwhile, tickets are on sale for the 2025 Carnival Concerts – which will take place at the town hall. See bridgwatercarnival.org.uk/useful-info/concert for more details.

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