Barnstaple Carnival team refurbishes Royalty Carriage ahead of 2025 event

The team behind Barnstaple Carnival is already preparing for the 2025 event, aiming to deliver a spectacular return for the town’s traditional celebration.

As part of their preparations, the volunteers have launched a project to refurbish the Carnival Carriage, the iconic float that carries the town’s Carnival Royalty at the head of the parade.

Kev Behan, project manager of the Barnstaple Carnival, explained: “Some much-needed 'TLC' is needed. The vehicle is structurally sound but it’s the decorative element that has seen better days.”

The revamped float is expected to be ready by summer 2025, in time for Barnstaple’s local carnival season. 

Mr Behan added that this will give the 2024 Royalty a chance to “complete their ‘reign’ in style” before passing on the crowns to their 2025 successors.

However, Mr Behan acknowledged that unexpected costs have come with the restoration, adding: “As with everything, it all comes at a price, and although we were able to give to charities as a result of last year’s collections on the day, this has been an expense we hadn’t foreseen. We are hoping that the great people of Barnstaple may be able to help us out.”

To fund the refurbishment, the team has set up a GoFundMe page, inviting donations from the community. 

Mr Behan said: “We hope to make it good for years to come and have something that gives a good impression of the town when visiting other carnivals. Any amount, no matter how small, will be gratefully received and put to good use.”

The GoFundMe page can be found at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-repair-the-royalty-carriage