Volunteers needed to keep Bovey Tracey Carnival alive

Residents and business owners in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield are being encouraged to get behind the town’s long-running and successful annual carnival.

This year’s popular event featured nine days of family-friendly activities, including a headline set from TV star and Heart FM dance DJ Toby Anstis at Party in the Park on Saturday 26 July.

The carnival procession on 1 August saw the streets lined with families, while the Car Quest challenge on 27 July took participants on a treasure hunt across the district and beyond. 

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Still to come in 2025 is the Christmas Market and Festive Drive-by, rounding off another busy year for the committee.

All events are arranged by a small volunteer team of just five core members, supported by local helpers and sponsors. 

The Carnival Association is a non-profit group that raises funds for local causes and community projects.

Looking ahead to the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 4 November, Chair Ulli Arnold said: “Having had a well supported full nine days of activities over Carnival Week we will be donating a generous amount to our chosen local charity, Bovey Swimming Pool Association.

“We are delighted to be in a position to do this and truly hope we can continue to keep providing Bovey and Heathfield with a great carnival programme. But as with any community initiative, we could always do with more people helping out.”

She added that the AGM will be held at The Cromwell Arms at 7pm and is open to anyone interested in getting involved.

Ulli also told The Moorlander of the role the Carnival plays in the community throughout the year: “As a non-for-profit organisation we work hard organising various events throughout the year concentrating on Carnival Week and the Christmas Market incorporating the Christmas Light switch-on.

We are normally able to donate approx. £1000 to a local charity within the parish boundary. This year Bovey Tracey Swimming Pool will be receiving a cheque for that amount at our AGM.”

Anyone wishing to volunteer or learn more about next year’s carnival can find details online or by attending the AGM in November.