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Emma in action

Well, on Friday night I finally got to put all my training into practice! After a great night being part of the Bridgwater Carnival procession with the 主播大秀 Somerset Bus I rushed back to Bridgwater Town Hall to take my place in the squibbing display.

I had to get on my protective clothing.... overalls, goggles, hard hat and gloves and then I was issued with my squib! It was quite heavy and for a few moments I completely forgot what I was supposed to do and had visions of setting it off too early, too late or not being able to light it!

I even had trouble remembering which way round to hold it but I was surrounded by approximately 170 other squibbers some of whom had done it many times before so they all gave me a bit of advice and I was sorted!

It takes place along the high street

Walking down through the High Street to take up our positions in the display I felt really excited and many of the thousands of people who had watched the Carnival procession had stayed to watch the display so the atmosphere was really electric.

We were kept waiting for a bit whilst the fire brigade and police completed their safety checks and by now my arms were aching but it wasn't long before we were off!

The first klaxon sounded and the lighting areas were lit, then the second klaxon sounded, we lit our squibs and the following minute or so was a blur of noise, sparks, cheers, clapping from the crowd and quite a bit of screaming from me!!! If you watch the video of my squibbing you will hear quite a bit of girly squealing.

I had previously lit and held a single squib when I did my training but I wasn't quite prepared for how it felt to be surrounded by another 170 squibs all going off at the same time....... sparks were flying into my face and around my neck which I wasn't expecting but above all it felt like I was going to take off!

Such an amazing experience and I am really grateful to the Bridgwater Carnival Committee and squibbing officer Clive Kett for inviting me to take part in a unique event.

In case they are reading this - I am available next year if needed - ha ha!

Only in Bridgwater.

Squibbing is unique to carnival

'Showered with fairy lights'

On Friday night I attended the practice night for this year's squibbing display.

I was a bit nervous as a) I was worried about holding this giant firework above my head without setting fire to myself and b) how would I look in my overalls, goggles and welding gloves?!!

Clive Kett who has been the squibbing officer for 12 years was very patient with me and explained how to safely light the squib, turn it so that it is facing the right way up and then hold it above your head with your arms straight for just under one minute as the sparks fly everywhere around you.

It was amazing as you just feel as though you are being showered with fairy lights but you don't feel a thing as you are fully protected by your (not very glamorous) overalls, goggles, gloves and safety helmet.

Squibbs are made just for Bridgwater

The golden sparks continue to burst from the squib for nearly a minute and then the last ten seconds or so there is a big burst of silver sparks to finish!

What is even more exciting is that on carnival night I will be one of over 150 squibbers all firing their squibs at the same time - it's going to be amazing!

I would say look out for me on carnival night but amongst all those other squibbers I might be a bit hard to spot!

'What have I let myself in for?'

I am very excited this year as I have been asked to take part in the squibbing display which takes place after the Bridgwater Carnival procession.

Squibbing is something very unique to Bridgwater. Basically it is the simultaneous firing of lots of large fireworks ("squibs").

Safety is of paramount importance!

About 150 "squibbers" are involved, who line the Bridgwater High Street (in a line of two wide) and then light their squibs at the same time. The effect is a bright light being fired into the air along the road in one great long trail of fire.

The squib itself is a large firework, strapped to a cosh (a solid block of wood which is attached to a large pole).

The squibber holds the squib at arms length above their head with the firework facing toward the sky.

I already have my overalls, safety goggles, long gloves and safety helmet - what have I let myself in for???