Exeter Carnival won't return this year

It appears Exeter Carnival's 2022 comeback may have been a one-off as organisers have confirmed it won't be going ahead this year. Last year, the event was cancelled with just weeks left to go.

InExeter, the city centre's business improvement district (BID) and organiser of the 2022 carnival, say they have decided not to put the event on this year due to rising costs and feedback from businesses.

The BID has said costs also mean it won't be directly involved in organising any events "at the present time". Instead, it says it is focusing on cleaning, "greening" and safety, at the request of the businesses who pay into the InExeter scheme.

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A spokesperson for InExeter told DevonLive: "InExeter has no plans to deliver a Carnival for the city this year. InExeter is the Business Improvement District for the city centre, funded by levy paying businesses. Our focus is on cleaning, greening and safety which our business members have specifically identified as the most important issues impacting them.

"We have taken the decision given rising costs and feedback from our members, not to be directly involved in delivering events at the present time. We recognise the importance of events in the city and are working to support others who are better placed to host events in the future.

"This year we have prioritised investment in community safety initiatives including a new community safety team for the city.

"In addition, for the last 10 years, InExeter has delivered Christmas lights in public spaces in the city – this is paid for solely through contributions from businesses. This continues to be a focus, ensuring that Exeter is a premier destination in the southwest providing an experience that visitors and residents can enjoy throughout the festive period."

Exeter Carnival made its big comeback in 2022, after a 24 year hiatus. Despite wet weather, crowds lined the streets as entertainers and illuminated floats paraded through the city centre.

It was due to return in November 2023 but on October 12, InExeter said the event had been cancelled due to "rising operational costs".