Return of Exeter Carnival welcomed after thousands watch city centre parade

Published: 28 November 2022

The successful return of Exeter Carnival in the city centre has been welcomed by City Council Leader Phil Bialyk.

Thousands of people watched the parade through the city centre on Saturday evening.

Exeter Carnival began its journey in 1977 and was held annually until its 20 year run concluded in 1998.

Coinciding with the Christmas lights, InExeter brought the carnival’s creativity and community spirit back to Exeter to celebrate all that the city has to offer.

Cllr Bialyk said: “This is a wonderful event and it was great to see so many people coming into the city to celebrate. A lot of work has gone into this and I am so pleased to see the results.

“These are difficult times for everyone with the cost of living crisis continuing and I think people welcomed the chance to attend a free event. The carnival brings people together by giving them the chance to come into the city centre and enjoy themselves.”

The heavy rain throughout the afternoon did nothing to dampen the spirits of the large numbers of people who lined the route through the city centre.

The Carnival started at 6pm at the bottom of South Street. It paraded along South Street, into the High Street and processed along Sidwell Street, around the Odeon roundabout and finished at the junction with High Street and Paris Street.

The official charity of Exeter Carnival is Young Lives vs Cancer, who were the official bucket collector on the night. People can also text CARNIVAL to 70450 to donate £5. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.

A full list of Carnival entry winners is available on the Exeter Carnival website