Large crowds turn out for Hatherleigh Carnival 2025 and Torchlight Parade

The streets of Hatherleigh were packed on Saturday (8 November) as the town celebrated Hatherleigh Carnival 2025, one of Devon’s most popular and long-running community events.

The weather stayed dry as hundreds lined the streets to watch a record 30 entries take part in the evening procession, accompanied by the traditional flaming torchlight parade.

Leading the colourful spectacle were this year’s carnival royalty, Queen Zoe Wonnacott and Prince and Princess Matei and Amalia Perniu, on two beautifully decorated floats.

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The day began early, with the first tar barrel run at 5am, followed by judging for the best-decorated shop and house windows, the annual town crier competition, and a lively children’s fancy dress parade in the afternoon.

Local groups including Hatherleigh Primary School, 1st Hatherleigh Brownies, Highampton Primary School, Highampton Preschool, and the Busy Bees Baby and Toddler Group all took part.

The evening procession drew large crowds, featuring family, youth and community entries from across the region, with many floats inspired by films, music, and local pride.

Donna Lewis, speaking on behalf of the carnival committee, said this year saw “one of the biggest crowds we’ve seen,” with a huge turnout for both the afternoon and evening events.

ABOVE: The traditional flaming torchlight parade (Credit: DL Photography)

After the procession came the second tar barrel run, with adults and children alike taking part in the town’s most distinctive tradition.

Lewis added that the carnival’s roots run deep: “The carnival combines the historic past of gunpowder and plot, the pagan Samhain festival, with a ‘modern’ carnival since 1903.”

Organisers said the success of this year’s carnival was thanks to months of planning, fundraising and volunteer support.

Lewis said safety remains a top priority for the committee: “Each year brings its new challenges and we are ever evolving to ensure the safety of those who take part and those who attend to spectate. 

“This year we have taken advice from the West Devon Safety Advisory Group, a multi-agency group including Devon and Cornwall Police and the Fire Service.”

She added that thanks were due to all the marshals, the carnival’s safety officer and subcommittee, whose work keeps the crowds and participants safe.

Float winners this year included Barbie Dream Float, Let’s Get Lit, Cruella, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, and Rock the Boat. 

Local Young Farmers’ Clubs also featured strongly, with entries from Buckland Brewer, Okehampton, Winkleigh, Stratton, Newton St Cyres, Chumleigh, Clawton, Woolsery, Lewdown and others.

ABOVE: One of a number of colourful floats which brightened the November evening (Credit: DL Photography)

Lewis praised the growing number of first-time float builders: “In recent years we have seen an increase of friendship groups coming together to build floats. 

“Seeing other newbies doing such a great job and witnessing the joy it brings to everyone involved encourages others to join in. 

“We also offer grants to the various entry classes as an incentive and to prevent cost being a barrier.”

She added that it was “great how new families and friends are getting together to create floats, and most are using the traditional crepe-paper style seen in carnivals all over the world.”

Committee members thanked residents, participants and visitors for their continued support, saying the event could not happen without the passion and dedication of those involved.

“All of our committee members are volunteers who work through the year on planning and fundraising, we are a very small committee of only nine,” Lewis said. 

“Over carnival weekend we call on the help of a team of additional volunteers who help with everything from crowd management to parking.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for future carnivals is encouraged to get in touch with the Hatherleigh Carnival committee.