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 no 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.

WOW Bude — thank you for all your support! Huge congratulations to our wonderful 2025 winners.

Children's Tableaux

CJ's Dance

Medley Cup

Pom Pom Princesses, Bradworthy Carnival Committee

Vintage/Classic Vehicle

E J Fry Transport and Plant Hire

Comic Tableaux

The Jolly Bodger

Young Farmers

Stratton Young Farmers

Walkers Group

Off to Neverland

Adult & Singles Walkers

Lower Wharf Lovelies

Best Senior Queen Group

Poughill Revel

Best Prince

Hendra Royalty

Best Royalty Float/Vehicle

Hendra Royalty

Best Fairy Princess

Camelford Royalty

Best Fairy Princess Group

Camelford Royalty

Best Local Entry

Stratton Young Farmers

Best in Carnival

The Jolly Bodger

Until next year (Saturday 15th August 2026) — cheers, Bude! You did us proud.

What date is the Carnival on?

The Carnival will take place on Saturday 15th of August, 2026.

How do we take part / apply?

You can take part by completing the Entry Form and looking at the On The Day Instructions.

Insurance

Insurance is not a problem. Click this link for advice from Courtenay Insurance Services, Bude.

Which route will the Carnival take?

The Carnival route can be viewed here.

Get Involved

Would you like to help with the carnival, have a float, join the procession or just find out more information?