THE darkening evenings are bringing fun and festive entertainments to Somerset this autumn - in the form of Halloween, Bonfire Night, the Bridgwater Fair and the carnivals.

The county is famous for its carnivals and the season kicked off last weekend (September 24) and runs through until the end of November.

Several of the events are widely regarded as the largest illuminated carnival processions in the world, with Bridgwater, Weston-super-Mare and Glastonbury attracting crowds of up to150,000.

Chief Inspector Mark Edgington, local policing commander for East Somerset, said: “Carnivals are a fantastic Somerset tradition and they are wonderful events.

"We want everyone to enjoy them and the variety of firework displays and Hallowe'en festivities on offer for the next few months.

"The message from us and our partners is simple – enjoy yourselves, but do so safely, legally and responsibly.”

Officers from across Somerset will be out and about to ensure all the residents and tourists attending the annual carnivals have a fantastic time.

But, anyone seeing it as an excuse to get drunk and spoil the fun for others will see their night ended early by the officers, PCSOs and special constables patrolling the various events.

Ch Insp Edgington added:” We are working with our partners across the district councils, trading standards and Avon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to launch 'Somerset after Dark'.

"The campaign will support our operational activities during the Bridgwater Fair, Hallowe'en, the carnivals and bonfire night and will include crime prevention, personal safety and travel tips to make sure everyone can enjoy the fun.

“The carnivals have now started and whichever event you are attending over the coming months, there will most likely be heavy traffic in places, so please bear this in mind - aim to arrive at least an hour before either the carnival or fireworks are due to start.

“I would encourage everyone to plan their journey and where you are going to park as people travelling to some of the carnivals and larger fire-works displays can expect some road closures and diversions.

"These have been planned and implemented by the carnival organisers and can be viewed on their websites.”

The spooky festivities of Hallowe'en and the fun and fireworks of bonfire night also fall in the middle of the season.

Ch Insp Edgington added: “We would appreciate the public’s cooperation by being mindful of other people, particularly trick or treating at Hallowe'en, which some people can find intimidating.

“Over the next month we will be working with local schools, shops and licensees in the run up to Hallowe'en to deliver some key messaging and implement measures to hopefully minimise any anti-social behaviour.

"Have fun, but please be sensible, especially in regards to fireworks and alcohol.

"Remember the basic safety tips so you have a fun night and we can have a quiet night.”

Cllr Gill Slocombe, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing at Sedgemoor District Council, said "Carnivals, Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night are a great time of year for bringing the family together and enjoying a night out, as is Bridgwater Fair.

"We want Sedgemoor residents to enjoy these events but we also want everyone to stay safe and consider the possible impact celebrations could have on others.

“Somerset After Dark is a fantastic campaign that gives people a few gentle reminders about how to safely and respectfully enjoy these occasions.

South Somerset's Cllr Peter Gubbins, portfolio holder for community safety, said: “The safety of the public at events across the autumn is paramount and working together with our partner agencies, we are aiming to help minimise crime and anti-social behaviour such as littering through targeted messages.

"By providing messages before and during events, we will hopefully reduce the demand for services including litter clearance after events.

"This will enable more people to enjoy themselves and help to facilitate crime free, safe and fun events for all to enjoy.”

Cllr Jane Warmington, portfolio holder for community leadership for Taunton Deane Borough, said: "The multi-agency Halcon One Team have had great success with this approach in East Taunton for the last four years years working with the community to organise local events for Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night.

"It’s wonderful that we have these events for people to enjoy, especially our Somerset carnival tradition.

"The Somerset After Dark campaign reminds people how they can stay safe and have fun."