Exeter Carnival returns this weekend

For the first time in 24 years nearly to the day, Exeter will once again have a Carnival parading its streets this Saturday, 26th November. The revival of the carnival has been done so by InExeter, the Business Improvement District for Exeter.

Carnival is something that a whole generation has missed in Exeter and the city will be illuminated spectacularly on 26th November. It is going to be a very busy day for the city and those planning to watch the carnival are encouraged to make a day of it and come in early to avoid any congestion.

Ann Hunter, BID Manager says “The carnival will be a fantastic way to kick start the festivities in the city. We invite you all to come in well ahead of the main event to enjoy the city, make the most of what is going on and experience and explore all Exeter has to offer. A number of businesses across the city are putting on special Carnival Day activities.”

There are a host of events taking place in Exeter to celebrate carnival on the day with something for everyone from family friendly craft, storytelling and games to fermentation workshops at new vegan eatery Daily Bowl and party tunes at Monkey Suit and Eat the Bird on Sidwell Street to get in the party spirit. For a full list of events please visit: www.exetercarnival.co.uk/events-in-the-city.

In addition, the beautiful Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, located on the historic Cathedral Green will be open until 9pm and the Winter Wonderland in Northernhay Gardens returns this year with plenty of exciting rides and attractions.

Markets Manager Lottie Stanley will also be launching the first of 4 days of pop-up markets in the lead up to Christmas. InExeter’s Pop Up Emporium will be nestled in the sheltered piazza of the Guildhall Shopping Centre on carnival day, where shoppers can discover an eclectic mix of small business and local traders at InExeter’s Pop Up Emporium. Head to the square outside WH Smith between 10am and 4pm for a curated presentation of artisan goods and alternative gifts from across the South West.

If into the city by car for the carnival it is recommended people arrive well before 4pm. Heavy congestion is expected within the city and queuing is expected at car parks. Road closures for the carnival will start from 5pm which will affect routes to certain car parks. Some roads will not reopen until after 9pm and there maybe longer travel journeys than usual leaving the city after the carnival. The city is expected to be very busy, and we appreciate your support in travelling early.

The roads on the parade will close at 5pm and visitors will be entertained by Exeter Street Band who will be performing on locations along the route before the carnival starts. The Carnival will start at 6pm at the bottom of South Street. It will parade up South Street, turning right onto the High Street, processing up Sidwell Street all the way to the Odeon roundabout, around the roundabout and back down Sidwell Street to finish at the junction with High Street and Paris Street.

No matter where people watch the carnival you will see all of the parade. Those spectating on Sidwell Street will get the chance to see the parade pass twice, as the carnival procession will parade up then turn around to parade back along Sidwell Street. The carnival is a long route and people are encouraged to spread out across the route to get a great view of the parade. Areas with barriers will be restricted zones where spectating cannot take place. Full details of the parade route with map are available on the Exeter Carnival website: www.exetercarnival.com.

Those planning to watch the carnival will see the Jubilation Cart which was built for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant parade in London this summer. Exeter Carnival is one of 10 carnivals and the only one outside Somerset except the parade in London to have the cart which will be joined in the carnival by carnival clubs from the South Somerset Federation, East Devon and South Devon circuits alongside local entries from groups and organisations in Exeter.

Entries visitors can experience at Exeter Carnival include Harlequin Carnival Club who attended the first Exeter Carnival in 1977. Local choir ‘Big Noise Chorus’ have also entered and will be performing on a bus provided by travel sponsor Stagecoach.

The official charity of this year’s carnival is Young Lives vs. Cancer who help families find the strength to face everything cancer throws at them. Last year in Devon they supported 49 families and gave out grants totaling over £17,000. The charity will be the official bucket collector at Exeter Carnival where spectators can give in the form of loose change during the carnival. There will also be the option to text to give on the night as well as a QR code on the back of the Carnival guide.

InExeter would like to thank all the people that have contributed to and supported the return of Exeter Carnival. This event is made possible by member businesses of InExeter whose funding allows incredible events to take place in the city. Appreciation also goes to the volunteers who have given up their free time to steward the event. This event could not have been done without this dedicated team of individuals.