A ROAD closure will be in place as Bridport Carnival reaches its grand finale this weekend.

The A35 Bridport bypass will be shut on Sunday evening from 9pm to 10.30pm.

It will be closed from a point 10 metres east of the centre of its junction with the B3162 to its junction with East Road Roundabout.

This will allow the Bridport Carnival Torchlight Procession to pass along the route safely.

The layby adjacent to the A35 Bridport Bypass will also be closed and during the event, a diversion route through Bridport on the B3162 will be well signed.

The spectacular sight of hundreds of people bearing torches for the Torchlight Parade will round off Bridport Carnival Week 2024.


READ MORE: Bridport Carnival week starts with 'royal' selection


Saturday, August 17 will see Bridport's big carnival procession pass through the town.

Earlier that day, the Wessex Military Band will perform in Bucky Doo Square from 10am, while the Bridport Broadsides Shanty Crew will perform from 6pm to 7pm.

Bridport Carnival Procession 2023Bridport Carnival Procession 2023 (Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

Saturday culminates in the procession, which will line up at West Allington from 5.45pm and moves off at 7pm.

There will be a winners' presentation at 9pm in Bucky Doo Square, followed by dancing to The Skalatans and there will also be a fun fair in the West Street car park.

Sunday's traditional torchlight parade will create a superb end to the celebrations with the awesome spectacle of 1,500 blazing torches being carried by families as they snake their way to the seaside resort of West Bay.

Torches for the parade will be on sale in Bucky Doo Square from 6.30pm and the procession will move off at 9pm sharp.

There will be numerous attractions at East Beach, West Bay from 6.30pm until late.

Revellers will be able to enjoy food stalls, bars, a bonfire and there will be dancing to live music from Static Flight.


READ MORE: Crowds line the street for Bridport Carnival


Fireworks will light up the sky from 10pm (weather permitting) and buses will be laid on returning to Bridport from 9.15pm to midnight. 

The fun won't stop there - continuing throughout August will be a Misplaced Articles Competition in Bridport shopfront windows.

People will be asked to spot the wrong item the window display in shops throughout the town.

Organisers say: "This is ideal (free) entertainment for a wet summer’s day! 

"Start at whichever shop you like and work in a clockwise direction around all the shops listed on the trail, keeping your eyes peeled for the odd object in each window.

"For additional points, visit The St Micheals Quadrant and Groves Nursery.

"Don’t be afraid to ask shop staff for a clue and to make a note of your favourite misplaced article location!"

Entry forms can be downloaded online at the website bridportcarnival.co.uk