Thousands expected in the city centre for Exeter Carnival return
Published: 24 November 2022
Thousands of people are expected to head into the city centre for the long-awaited return of Exeter Carnival on Saturday.
The official charity of Exeter Carnival is Young Lives vs Cancer, who will be part of the parade collecting on the night.
Organisers are reminding people not to throw coins for safety reasons. Anyone would like to donate to the charity should do so by dropping spare change directly into collecting buckets.
Young Lives vs Cancer help families find the strength to face everything cancer throws at them. Last year in Devon they supported 49 families and gave out grants of more than £17,000.
The charity will be the official bucket collector at Exeter Carnival. People can also text CARNIVAL to 70450 to donate £5. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
The Carnival Parade starts at 6pm on Saturday 26 November. People are urged to arrive in the city centre early, as road closures will be in place ahead of the parade.
It is likely to be extremely busy on Carnival Day. Where people should consider travelling into the city sustainably.
If travelling by car, people are recommended to arrive well before 5pm. Road closures for the carnival will start from 5pm, which will affect routes to certain car parks. Some roads in the city centre will not reopen until after 9pm.
The Carnival will start at 6pm at the bottom of South Street. It will parade up South Street, turning right on to the High Street, processing along Sidwell Street all the way to the Odeon roundabout.
It will proceed around the roundabout and back down Sidwell Street to finish at the junction with High Street and Paris Street.
No matter where people are along the route they will see all of the parade. Those spectating on Sidwell Street will get the chance to see the parade pass twice – on the way up and on the way back.
Spectators are encouraged to spread out along the route to get a great view of the parade. Areas with barriers will be restricted zones where spectating cannot take place.
To get the party started early, there will be entertainment at the RAMM between 1.30pm and 4.30pm, with music, storytelling, dance, games and crafts at the museum. Roman centurions will also be parading outside.
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 are bringing the carnival’s creativity and community spirit back to Exeter and celebrate all it has to offer.
For more information visit the Exeter Carnival website.