Pictures – glitz, glam and staying dry at Ilfracombe Carnival 2026

The gods of carnival smiled on Sunday (August 30) and parted the clouds to give Ilfracombe’s annual procession a perfect weather window.

The rain, which had lurked on and off all day, stopped just before the Ilfracombe Carnival 2026 parade began and held off until it had finished.

As ever, there was a good mix of entrants in a carnival that has always been known for its high number of walking entries and original costumes.

This year included glamorous be-winged ladies inspired by ancient Egypt, wild beasties, the Jack-in-the-Green crowd, sharks and even Donald Trump.

The groups formed up at the swimming pool car park near Hillsborough and then the parade made its way to the high Street, a hard right and then along the seafront to the finish.

The results saw Ruby Club Sharks take first place in the vehicles and floats category, followed by Shimmy Fit and Cytiva’s Chocolate Factory.

The walking mixed category was won by The Wild Ones, who were also crowned overall carnival champions, with Whimsicals in second place and Jack’s Crew Goes into the Woods in third.

First place in the walking children category went to Wolves.

Organisers would like to thank all who turned out and took part, the judges, supporters and trophy sponsors Webbers, SMD Pharmacy, Mike’s Taxi and Mike Turton.