A £5 MILLION scheme to improve facilities for Bridgwater Carnival clubs has moved a step closer – with work to start soon.

Somerset Council has appointed Rigg Construction to help future-proof the world-famous event – the biggest illuminated carnival in Europe – by redeveloping a site off the A38 Bristol Road used by many clubs to construct their carts.

The existing sheds on the site are dilapidated and no longer fit for purpose, the council said, with the first of three phases of redevelopment now set to begin to provide five modern and attractive workshops.

Overall, the redevelopment project will improve almost three hectares of derelict land, infrastructure and vehicle access, creating new workspaces and improving the apprenticeship offer for students.

Now, a detailed bespoke programme will be developed, in consultation with carnival clubs on site to make sure the construction project does not impact on preparations for the 2025 event.

READ MORE: Bridgwater news from your Somerset Leveller

Councillor Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, said: “Bridgwater Carnival is significant, not just for the town but Somerset and the South West.

“It has a proud history stretching back more than 150 years and by improving facilities for the hard-working and dedicated people involved, we will continue to enjoy the spectacle for many years to come.”

Bridgwater Carnival Committee project officer, Chris Hocking, added: “At last, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we are delighted that contractors have finally been appointed.

“This has been a long process which, undoubtedly, has proved much more complex than we first envisaged. We are therefore extremely grateful for the help and guidance we have received from Somerset Council officers and elected members.

“Now that all the background work has been completed, the next phase is the really exciting one when we will see true progress being made through the construction of sheds, improvements to the infrastructure and environmental enhancements.

“It is the beginning of our wider ambition to create new sheds for every Bridgwater carnival club and our desire to give them the facilities they deserve so that they can continue to construct the spectacular entries which, these days, are admired across the globe.”

Meanwhile, to aid in the work, Bridgwater Town Council (BTC) has set up a special group to liaise with people involved in the carnival projects.

Cllr Leigh Redman, who is chairing the group, said: “The signing of this contract is a great example of how Bridgwater Town Council will do everything it can to support our carnival clubs and committee, the carnival procession and concerts are jewels in Bridgwater’s crown, we have so much amazing talent.

“We will always work with both, clubs & committee, and do everything we can to support them.

“As well as agreeing land for the shed project and supporting the bid, we hope to confirm that 2027 carnival concert show hire of the newly refurbished town hall, will be free and we’ll work with clubs and committee to make 2027 carnival season the best ever.”

The Town hall project is another funded project from the Bridgwater town deal.

Bridgwater Carnival, which runs at the start of November each year, brings in tens of thousands of visitors to the Somerset town each year.

The regeneration project has been funded through £3m from the Bridgwater Town Deal Fund, a £1.25m contribution from the Somerset Community Foundation and a £650k contribution from Arts Council England.