West End Carnival 2026

West End Carnival returns to the West End of Plymouth on Saturday 29 August, taking over the city centre for the day. It's an annual celebration of culture, community and creativity, and this year it's organised by the Plymouth City Centre Company.

The carnival spreads across several of the West End's main streets — Cornwall Street, New George Street, Frankfort Gate and Market Avenue — so there's plenty to wander through. The main stage is set up at Frankfort Gate, and Plymouth Market is right in the thick of it with more than 140 stalls open. Local businesses join in with tastings and demonstrations, and there's live music, children's entertainers, face painting, dancing, circus acts and street theatre scattered around.

The highlight is the carnival parade, which brings together floats, baby dragons and community groups. It's a family day out, open to everyone in the community, and it runs from 11:00 to 16:00. Entry is free, and the entertainment and family activities are free too. Children go free, and under-fives eat free.