A sneak-preview of the world's biggest illuminated carnival was unveiled to a sell-out audience in Bridgwater last night.

It was part of a packed two-week programme of concerts designed to whip the town into a frenzy ahead of the annual extravaganza.

Crowds poured into Bridgwater Town Hall to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking costumes, make-up, dance routines and tableaux in store at the main event on November 7.

The town's 13 carnival clubs showcased their themes for this year's spectacle, leaving the audience desperate to see the full floats in action in five weeks' time.

More than 5,000 people will watch the shows in the next fortnight and more than 600 will take to the stage in various guises.

Talented locals performed alongside the masqueraders, with two dance troupes, singers, musicians, magicians and comedians taking to the stage.

Bridgwater Carnival Committee spokesman Dave Stokes said: "The carnival concerts act as a great warm-up for the clubs for their dance routines and choreography, and run for 13 nights. The concert is itself a great spectacle. Each night always sells out and has a prestigious local following.

"We sometimes lose sight of the fact that all the people who perform have jobs as well, and that in itself makes the concerts incredible.

"From what I have seen so far, the standard is even higher than last year – every time it gets better and better."

All the proceeds from the concerts go towards funding the carnival.

One club gearing up for the highlight of the West carnival calendar is Ilminster-based Rascals Carnival Club, whose youth float Fright Night has already wowed judges on the South Somerset Circuit.

Rascals CC's Dave Orchard said: "We're hoping to enter Bridgwater and it will be our first time so we are looking forward to it.

"We've done really well so far, even though we've had a few problems with our generator, but hopefully they will be ironed out before the next carnival."

The ghoulish float, featuring youngsters aged between seven and 15, took home three cups from South Petherton Carnival and four at Wellington on Saturday night, including best youth float, best children's entry, best make-up and the award for depicting the spirit of carnival.

The carnival concerts will run until October 11. Tickets are £9.50 each.

The shows start at 7pm during the week and 6pm on weekends. They last approximately four hours.