A NEW-LOOK Dawlish Celebrates Carnival kicks off tomorrow.

The packed programme of events and entertainment runs until August 15 and one of the highlights just announced will be a fly past by the RAF’s iconic Red Arrows.

Sunday sees a beach day including the return of the Fancy Dress Walk Into the Sea for the first time since 2019 and a Beach Labyrinth, created by beach artist Andrew Nicholson.

Dawlish is one of six venues in Devon for the project, run in partnership with the Diocese of Exeter where a labyrinth is created from sand.

Circular labyrinths have been used by Christians for hundreds of years as a way of praying and reflecting. People are encouraged to walk the circular path from the outside in and, unlike a maze there are no dead ends.

Carnival week has been a challenge for committee volunteers this year as it comes in the middle of South West Water’s multi-million pound scheme to improve water quality.

The work includes use of a large part of the Lawn where previously much of the carnival activity was focussed.

This has meant the cancellation of the iconic Pram Race and the It’s A Knockout competition.

Angie Weatherhead, chair of Dawlish Celebrates Carnival, said: ‘This year, when the initial plans for the South West Water works on The Lawn were published, the carnival committee really doubted whether anything could be put on in 2025.

‘We then felt it was even more important to put something on and show Dawlish was still open this summer.

‘Early positive discussions with South West Water and Amplify meant we could start to plan for carnival week.

‘We’re very grateful for the support we’ve received, such as South West Water opening up Westcliff Road on parade day to make sure there’s access for emergency vehicles, and for regular updates and communications with the project manager.

‘We have lots of exciting things happening at this year’s carnival including some new events like our beach afternoon and a vibrant community parade so we’d encourage locals and visitors alike to come and see us and enjoy the fun.’

South West Water says it is supporting carnival by helping ensure event goes ahead safely and successfully as important infrastructure improvements continue across the area.

SWW says as the ‘vital infrastructure upgrades continue’, it has worked closely with the Dawlish Carnival Committee and local partners to make sure this year’s celebration can go ahead with minimal disruption.

The company has been supporting the event through regular communication with organisers to support planning and logistics for the event such as opening roads and footpaths to maintain access for pedestrians and emergency vehicles.

Outgoing Pennon CEO, Susan Davy said: ‘Dawlish Celebrates Carnival is such a special part of the summer, and we’re really pleased to be supporting it this year while our work to improve the town’s infrastructure continues.

‘We know how much the carnival means to the community – and we’ve worked closely with organisers to make sure it can go ahead with as little disruption as possible.

‘Our investment is helping our brilliant teams to make important changes to a very complex system – for all of us, this is about protecting the places people love, and supporting the communities we’re part of.’