South West Carnival won't take place this year

A South West carnival has been cancelled again. Organiser have confirmed the Exeter Carnival - which made a one-off comeback in 2022 after 24 years ago - won't go ahead this year, just like it was cancelled in 2023.

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 have 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 have 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.

Below are the dates of all the Carnivals across Devon and Somerset this Autumn

Carnival Dates 2024

East Devon Circuit

Wessex Grand Prix

South Somerset Federation

Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association

Independent Carnivals