Councillors expected to approve £20,000 for Douglas Carnival

Mon, 11 Apr 2022

A new-look format is promised when Douglas Carnival makes a spectacular return to the capital this summer.

After an absence of three years due to a combination of Covid-19 and works on Douglas Promenade, it’s been confirmed the community spectacle will go ahead on Saturday, July 23 (subject to Council approval).

It’s proposed £20,000 will be used from the local authority’s reserves to stage the event, the proposed route and format of which is due to be discussed at next week’s meeting of the full Council.

Since being relaunched in 2014, the Carnival has proved popular, attracting thousands of participants and spectators to the Island’s capital.

Although a Council report suggested the 2019 event demonstrated little evidence of economic benefit to Douglas Town Centre, both the Council’s Executive Committee and local authority officers believe the carnival in a new format will be a worthwhile community event.

Councillor Andrew Bentley, chairman of the Regeneration and Community Committee, said: ‘It has been wonderful in recent years to see the carnival spirit in Douglas with family entertainment, live music and attractions ensuring a fun and vibrant atmosphere.

‘To see the throngs of floats, bands, dance groups and decorated vehicles bringing the sights and sounds of the carnival to town is truly wonderful and we feel sure the 2022 Carnival will be another showcase of some of the best the Isle of Man has to offer.’

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