Jesters, cowboys, vampires and pharaohs jumped aboard a glittering train of spectacular floats as the carnival the crowds had been waiting for exploded into life last night.

A sea of sparkling lights and decadent costumes weaved their way through Bridgwater, thrilling a gleeful crowd of more than 150,000 people.

Spectators and masqueraders were treated to a perfect autumn evening of clear skies and moonlight as the procession made its way from Parkway to the town centre.

In excess of 150 floats and walking entries from across the South West took to the stage in what is the culmination of 12 months' blood, sweat and tears.

Marketeers CC wowed the crowds with its Ghost Rider entry, adorned with 18,000 light bulbs and costing £28,000 to build.

Club treasurer Dave Kirk said the inspiration for the float, complete with ghoulish horsemen and demonic stallions, was a Nicholas Cage film by the same name.

"The film is about Hell's Angels," he said.

"We drew on that and came up with this idea. It's been a whole year of hard work.

"I wouldn't like to say how many man hours have gone into it."

Mr Kirk has been a member of Marketeers CC for 19 years and says he is as passionate about carnival as ever.

He said: "I love the banter and the friendship and entertaining people. There's a competitive edge between the clubs but it's friendly.

"We all help each other out if there's ever a crisis."

Among the other top floats was Cavaliers CC's Stateside entry, complete with star spangled banner and Uncle Sam, while Wills CC drew inspiration from the great classical composer Mozart, with its Amadeus entry that was adorned with towering candelabras set against a sumptuous theatrical backdrop.

But Gremlins CC looked set to steal the show with its terrifying Nemesis cart.

A spaceship flanked by alien androids made it one of the most breathtaking floats of the parade.

Float designer Reg Redman said: "It's basically an invading force coming to take over Planet Earth. We've worked very hard on it and are hoping to do well."

Although the town's most famous clubs put on a show-stopping performance, carnival would not be complete without its army of other participants, including baton-twirling majorettes and walking entries.

And the quality of the parade's youth entries showed the future of the extravaganza is in safe hands.

Ilminster-based Rascals Junior CC put on another terrifying performance with Fright Night, a float that has already secured them a cabinet full of silverware.

Six-legged members of Hemp Junior CC paraded through the streets as revellers at the Ugly Bugs Ball, with ladybirds, bumble bees and butterflies leading the way.

Carnival fan Ryan Dawson, 31, from Bristol, said: "I've been coming since I was a boy and I reckon this is the best. Look around – this is what carnival's all about."

Anyone who missed out in Bridgwater will have a second chance to see the top floats at tonight's parade in North Petherton, starting at 7pm.