Tonight, Friday, is the big night in the Carnival season in the West Country at Wells - Britain's smallest city. Last night was our Norton-Radstock one - not as big as Wells but it was pretty good and if I can get my pc working I will upload a few clips so you can see what it's like. Basically the season starts November 5th in Bridgwater and then does a week or so around the key Somerset towns. Originally the floats were on haycarts and were simply people dressed up but since then they have become pretty opulent eye catching affairs. They usually fall into two groups - humourous where some aspect of West Country life is lampooned or serious and these usually take the form of some people standing stock still while dressed as a futuristic warlord or Native American. People spend all year making these things and if you're not in the mood you can't help thinking 'why?' but if you in the right frame of mind it is a glorious folk art treat stacks better than anything Disney or any other corporation can conjure up. If you live in the South West get down to Wells - it's a great night out - wrap up warm and take plenty of coins. Be prepared for pumping music, glaring lights that will bleach your eyebrows and cold feet. Learn more at this Somerset carnival website
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