Exeter gears up for carnival

The first for 24 years

For the first time in 24 years, Exeter is gearing up for a carnival parade.

The Radio Exe crew will be at the head of the carts (the name by which people who take floats to different carnivals prefer).

The parade runs from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, with organisers the Exeter BID (Business Improvement District) team promise to be an "illuminated spectacular.

People planning to watch the carnival are encouraged to make a day of it and come 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.”
 
Attractions include family friendly craft, storytelling and games. Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market will be open until 9 p.m. and the Winter Wonderland in Northernhay Gardens is returning too. 

Roads in the city centre will close at 5 p.m. The carnival starts at the bottom of South Street, will turn right onto the High Street, go 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.

It includes 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.