Exeter Carnival makes a triumphant return
On Saturday 26th November Exeter witnessed the triumphant comeback of Exeter Carnival which was resurrected after a 24-year hiatus. The original Exeter Carnival ended in 1998 due to the rising costs of organising the event and funding shortages.
The revival of the carnival was organised by InExeter the Business Improvement District for Exeter. This event was made possible by the member businesses of InExeter, whose collective funding allows incredible events to take place in the city.
Over 40 entries took part in Exeter Carnival which included over 600 people from Exeter, Devon and beyond. The carnival was also the last stop for the Jubilation Cart which was built for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant parade in London this summer. Exeter was one of 10 carnivals and the only one outside Somerset except the parade in London to have the cart. Jubilation thrilled spectators in Exeter and entered the carnival as a non-competitive entry.
The Best Overall Float Winner was Harlequin Carnival Club with their entry Home on the Range (Cowboy yer really up the creek). It was a successful return for Harlequin Carnival Club who were at the very first Exeter Carnival in 1977 and had not been in Exeter for over 40 years where they historically placed second.
Local businesses and organisations also got in the carnival spirit and braved the weather to put on a fantastic show for the carnival. Acts included Street Heat Samba as the lead act of the carnival, DanSci Dance Studios who took first place in the Maquerader Groups category and local charity CEDA (Community Equality Disability Action) who won first place with their Harry Potter entry in the Local Float Category. For a full list of winners please see: www.exetercarnival.com.
The carnival was organised instead of the traditional light switch on event which last took place in the city in 2019. As well as being an event the whole community could get involved in, the businesses also benefitted from the carnival with there being a rise of 27% in footfall compared to the same day in 2021. Businesses hosted events in the city on the day and feedback has been that the event itself was beneficial to many more businesses than the traditional light switch on event.
The carnival featured an array of brightly coloured acts that wowed the crowd – many of whom had never experienced a carnival before. Local singing group Big Noise Chorus were in full voice for the evening – performing on a festively decorated bus supplied by sponsor Stagecoach.
Ann Hunter, BID Manager said: “We were overwhelmed by the reaction of Exeter to the return of the Carnival. Thank you to each and every person who joined us despite the weather to celebrate the return of Exeter Carnival - what a brilliant community and city this is.
"We also could not have put this event on without the amazing support we have had from the carnival community, local organisations and volunteer marshals, who took part, so thank you Exeter. Bring on 2023.”
Young Lives vs. Cancer were the official charity of the Exeter Carnival. Katherine Sawyer said “Young Lives vs Cancer were honoured to be the chosen charity of the Exeter Carnival. The event gave us the opportunity to raise awareness of our work locally and we raised a fantastic £1176 on the night thanks to the generosity of the people of Exeter.”
InExeter would like to thank all the people that have contributed to and supported the return of Exeter Carnival. Appreciation goes to Devon County Council and Exeter City Council for their support plus the city stakeholders and contractors InExeter worked closely with during the planning.
Thanks also go to our sponsors of the carnival: Stagecoach, Visit Exeter, Guildhall Shop and Dine, Winter Wonderland, Exeter College, Highfield Garage and Recovery and Exeter Academy of Music & Sound.
The night itself would not have been possible if it weren’t for all the entries who came and made the night. Without these dedicated groups who braved the weather there would not have been a carnival. In addition, a special mention also goes to the judges and team of volunteers both of which gave up their free time to put on the event. Without them this would not have been made possible.
Finally, InExeter gives a special thanks to Arthur Dyke, an original member of the Exeter Carnival Committee who produced the carnival for its full run 1977 to 1998 and who is now the secretary for the South Devon Carnival Association.
Marina O’Shea, Events Manager at InExeter comments: “Arthur gave up his time to help advise InExeter with regards to bringing back the carnival. Arthur has attended weekly meetings since February – he has been beyond incredible guiding InExeter through the process of bringing back the carnival. We give a huge and sincere thanks to Arthur - Exeter Carnival could not have returned without his help and guidance.”
Details of Exeter Carnival’s future plans will be released to the public in early 2023.
