THE Carnival Committee say they are “disappointed” to have their plans to move the carnival to a later date rejected.

Wellington Carnival has been a popular town tradition since 1887 and is typically held in late September.

But for 2026, organisers made a bid for the carnival to be held at a later date in the carnival calendar to allow for bigger and more elaborate floats.

Wellington Carnival Committee announced on Sunday (January 18) evening that their proposal to move the carnival to October was rejected by Somerset Carnival Federation and some of the Carnival Clubs within the group.

Wellington Carnival is part of the South Somerset Federation of Carnivals who work together to organise the carnivals of Wellington, Taunton, Ilminster and Chard.

A spokesperson for Wellington Carnival Committee, said: “The committee are disappointed to have to make this announcement. Moving the date later in the season, would have given clubs more time to prepare and would possibly attract some other clubs to take part as well, giving Wellington a bigger show.

“But it is fully appreciated, the date change has caused considerable concern for others. The committee can only apologise to any of the committees and clubs that this proposal caused upset to.”

Wellington Carnival will be held on Saturday, September 26, at 7.30 pm, it was previously proposed to take place on Saturday, October 24.

The committee went on to explain that due to them being a very small team, they “can not take the risk of moving the date without the help and support of the other town carnivals and from Guy Fawkes Circuit”, who set up the road closures and help with marshalling.

The committee welcome anyone who has ideas, views or opinions on the carnival to join them for a free drink at Café Lucious on Sunday (February 1) from 4 pm.