The countdown is on as Bude’s 100th carnival takes place next Saturday, August 20.

The coastal resort is known for putting on one of the best carnivals in the local area, and with it being the first since 2019, hundreds are expected to line the streets for the procession, which gets underway at 6.30pm from Bude Rugby Club.

Chairlady of the Bude Carnival Committee, Sarah Jose, told the Post: “It’s been a long time coming. We tried to do it again last year, but time was against us, and it wouldn’t have felt right, but this year it’s all systems go. The entries have been flying in, and with it being our 100th carnival we’ve got plenty to celebrate.”

Since the inaugural carnival back in 1920, the carnival has seen many changes. Up until 1938 it was a winter event, but once the Second World War had finished it resumed in August of 1946. It’s been held in August ever since, and most recently on the third Saturday of the month.

For 2022, the carnival also celebrates the lives of two special people of the Bude community. Sarah added: “Margaret Frost, our President died just before the pandemic, and Stu Bell who was chairman for many years, passed away a few months ago, so it will be an amazing way to remember them. They were such Bude celebrities and with a promising forecast, it should be an amazing day.”

This year the procession will be starting at Bude Rugby Club, instead of The Wharf, to allow for more room. Sarah explained the change: “When we had it at The Wharf it was rather full, the Rugby Club gives everybody more space to congregate together. But it’ll still be the normal route, and as usual there’ll be a fête in the castle grounds, which gets underway at 2pm and has plenty going on.”

Sarah hopes that people will come out in force. She said: “We hope the Bude community will get behind the carnival, and we’re excited by the number of new groups taking part such as Bude Pride.”

With this year’s entries looking promising, there’s still space to get involved. Sarah said:“Entries are definitely up, and often there are plenty of last-minute entries. It looks as if it’ll be our biggest turnout in a long time, and anyone wishing to get involved can visit the Bude Carnival website and download a form.

The committee has also been posting regular updates on its social media channels and have also set up a GoFundMe page.

Sarah added: “With it being a little last minute, we were unable to do our fundraisers throughout the year, so donations are much appreciated. I’d also like to thank the Bude Carnival Committee for all their help in getting us to this stage.

“We’re a small team, so there’s plenty of hard work but we’re sure it’ll pay off.”