Shows cannot happen in theatre after 140-year run

Bridgwater Carnival Concerts have taken place at the Town Hall since 1883, only breaking for the pandemic

A town hall theatre that has hosted warm-up concerts for a major carnival for more than 140 years will shut temporarily next year.

Bridgwater Town Hall is going through a £5.4m redevelopment, with plans to make its theatre space more accessible and make the whole venue "more experience-based".

The 18-month refurb is due to begin imminently, with work starting on the theatre space in March 2026, meaning it will close for the rest of the year.

Chris Hocking, from Bridgwater Carnival Club, said: "We are staying positive, we are looking at alternatives, because we need to keep the spirit of carnival concerts alive."

He added: "They've been going on in the town centre since 1883 and we don't want that tradition to come to an end."

The carnival shows have been continuous at the theatre except for during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A spokesperson for the local council said it "fully acknowledges and deeply regret any disappointment or inconvenience this may cause to performers, attendees, and the wider community".

"However, these necessary improvements will play a key role in enhancing the long-term legacy, accessibility, safety, and overall experience of the Town Hall Theatre for future events," they added.

The spokesperson said following discussions with representatives of local community groups "it has been mutually agreed that the theatre element of the renovations will take place after the regular Old Folks Show in February 2026".

The Town Hall Theatre will continue hosting performances until March 2026

Bridgwater Carnival said it had been kept fully informed on the progress, though it was "naturally extremely saddened that this means the Carnival Concerts cannot be staged at this venue in 2026".

Mr Hocking said it was too early to say how and where the concerts might be delivered in 2026, but confirmed the 2025 shows were going ahead as usual in Autumn.