North Petherton is gearing up for this November's carnival procession with plans afoot to celebrate its 66th year.

The event takes place in the evening of Saturday, November 14, when the illuminated carts move through the town's streets in front of thousands of spectators.

The Carnival Committee said it was first reported as being held in the 1880s. The first Carnival Committee was formed in 1886, but Carnival festivities had virtually ceased by the turn of the century they said.

They said: "In 1948 local resident Mr Bunny Wheatley formed the North Petherton Carnival Club which decided to concentrate on the revival of the Carnival and in December of that year 'North Petherton Guy Fawkes Carnival' was formed."

The first of the modern era carnivals was held the following year on November 5 and was described as "a stupendous success" with more than 10,000 spectators. There were 72 entries in the procession in its first year with prize money amounting to £150 and the street collection was £19. Not bad for a war torn Somerset used to shortages and rationing.

By the early 1950s a county wide association was set up with North Petherton at its heart, which in time evolved into the current set-up of seven carnival nights in the seven towns and one city in Somerset.

North Petherton's event has grown over the years and attracts entries from all over Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Wiltshire with spectators coming from across the country.

The carnival is always looking for helpers to join its ranks with support from new members, clubs, volunteers and sponsors welcomed. Visit their website at www.northpethertoncarnival.org.uk for more details.

Have you memories of North Petherton carnival from years gone by? Perhaps you've photographs of entries from the last 66 years. We'd love to share pictures and memories with our readers in the build up to the event. Send in your photos and memories to harry.mottram@nqsw.co.uk or call Harry Mottram on 01823 365029.