A Colorado family is crossing the Atlantic to experience one of Europe’s most celebrated carnivals. Tiffany Crumrine, 52, and her father Bob, 76, are traveling over 4,600 miles to attend the famous Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival in Somerset, UK—a journey sparked by a TikTok video that left them captivated.
“I’d never seen anything like it,” Ms. Crumrine said, recalling the dazzling floats and synchronized choreography that scrolled across her feed. “The lights, the music, the themes—it was mesmerizing.” After discovering the event online, she decided to experience it in person and promptly booked a hotel in Bridgwater.
The Bridgwater Carnival, a stunning illuminated parade, is renowned as Europe’s largest carnival and is expected to draw up to 150,000 visitors on Saturday evening. The annual event, part of the West Country’s traditional Guy Fawkes celebrations, dates back to the early 1600s, inspired by the infamous Gunpowder Plot. Local carnival clubs spend an entire year building intricate floats, which cost thousands to construct and incorporate impressive technology, lighting, and music.
For Bob Crumrine, this trip is not only his first international flight but also an opportunity to indulge his love of engineering. “We’re both big nerds,” Ms. Crumrine laughed. “My dad used to DJ and ran an amusement ride, so he’s thrilled to see the hydraulics, speakers, and all the inner workings of the floats.” Since booking, he’s been watching YouTube videos of past parades, eagerly preparing for the experience.
The Crumrines plan a whirlwind tour, landing in London on Friday and making stops in Bath and Weston-super-Mare before heading to Bridgwater for the grand fireworks and lantern parade. “We’re here for the carnival, and we’re beyond excited,” said Ms. Crumrine, eager for a weekend of unforgettable sights and sounds in Somerset.
