DAWLISH Celebrates Carnival held their annual meeting last week at The Strand Centre. It was an evening of reflecting on this year’s success and looking forward to 2023’s event.

The meeting, described as ‘positive and successful’ followed on from a recent volunteers’ forum, and among the order of business was the setting up of working groups which can assist the committee.

Carnival chairman Angie Weatherhead said: ‘We’re already working towards next year’s carnival. There’s plenty to be done and we’d love people to get involved with the behind the scenes work.’

This year’s carnival cost an incredible £43,000 to stage, but it raised an amazing £48,000. ‘This was through donations big and small,’ said Angie.

‘The town council gave £10,000 towards funding it, and we received grants from district and county councillors. ‘There was a further £1,000 from the Chamber of Trade, as well as local businesses – Cofton Holidays were particularly generous.

‘And on parade night, our bucket collectors brought in £2,500.’

The money will go towards next year’s carnival, which, due to rising prices, is expected to cost around £48,000.

‘That’s how it works,’ Angie explained. ‘The current year’s takings fund the next carnival.’

And the next carnival promises to be extra special. The theme is ‘musicals’ and it’s a golden year for the famed pram race, which reaches its fiftieth year.

‘We’re planning new things for Carnival 2023,’ Angie said. ‘The community parade will be back. This year we had 56 entries and we’re hoping for even more. We’re looking at ways to expand that.’

Dawlish Celebrates Carnival are still seeking volunteers. Anyone interested can find out more by going to their Facebook page, or by calling 07946 626516.