Don't miss Ilfracombe Carnival this weekend for a barmy bank holiday

The call has gone out to finish those costumes, pimp up your floats and get the party started as Ilfracombe Carnival returns to the town this Sunday (August 25).

The procession of walkers and floats will assemble as ever at the swimming pool car park at Hillsborough, with carnival entrants invited to arrive from 4pm, with judging at 5pm and the parade moving off at 6pm.

It will make its way through to the High Street and then onto Wilder Road, before heading along the seafront and finishing at the end of St James Place.

Once again there will be buskers along the route to entertain those waiting and at the seafront the carnival DJ will keep the party atmosphere going into the evening with plenty of tunes, plus there will be food from North Devon Hog Roast as well as the nearby funfair to enjoy.

Above: Pirates in the 2023 Ilfracombe Carnival. Credit: Jeremy Lamprell

Carnival categories for the parade this year are motorised vehicles and floats, walking/mixed group and walking children, with entry forms available from the Tourist Information centre on the seafront or via the Ilfracombe Carnival Facebook page.

There is usually a good mix of entries and a great attendance for the carnival and committee chair Colin Everest said: “We could not do this without people taking part and Ilfracombe always does us proud, so get your best costumes out and come and join us.

“It’s an amazing event and all the money raised from the street collections will go to local charities. A big thank you to all our sponsors and funders – Mike Turton, Webbers Estate Agent, SMD Pharmacy, Mike’s Taxis, TDK Lambda, Ilfracombe Town Council, Fullabrook CIC and Ilfracombe Lions Club.

“Thank you also to everyone on the committee, without whom it would not be possible, all the volunteer marshals from Ilfracombe Round Table and Compass Rotary plus our unsung hero Rob Townsend.”

For the latest updates, visit the Ilfracombe Carnival Facebook page.