Bude Carnival 2025

What’s it all about?

Bude Carnival dates from 1920 when it was held on Thursday, 2nd December. Events included a Grand Torch-Light Procession, a Grand Masked Confetti Fete, Hourly Concerts by four Jolly Sailor Men and an Exhibition of War Trophies. The grand sum of £34.16s.7d. was collected with Stratton Cottage Hospital being one of the main beneficiaries.

The tradition of a Winter Evening Carnival continued up to 1938 when the 1939 Carnival was postponed due to the outbreak of war. The first Carnival after the war was held on August Bank Holiday 1946 when as well as a Carnival Queen there was also a Carnival King, two pages and seven attendants, quite a turnout!

There has been a Bude Carnival every year since though it is now held on the third Saturday of August. Money collected on the day, after expenses, is donated to local charities and organisations.

What happens?

There’s a day time fete with stalls and entertainment on the Bude Rugby Pitch from 11am till 3pm.  Please visit the Rugby Club on foot from the entrance on Bencoolen roundabout using the Crescent carpark.  There is not parking in the Rugby Club for visitors only disabled access will be available.

The main Carnival procession leaves at 6.30pm from Bude Rugby Club.  During the procession traffic restrictions will operate around the town. Click the following link for the full daytime Timetable 

How can you take part?

You can take part in the carnival by completing an Entry Form, or come along and cheer the participants on the carnival route.

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