Never built one before? Everyone had to start somewhere. Here's everything you need to know to get your first carnival float on the road.
Hatherleigh Carnival Committee are always looking for more local people to enter a float into our carnival, which takes place on the second Saturday of November each year. We appreciate this can seem like a daunting task to undertake, but everyone had to start somewhere and so the people and families taking part each year have also been in your shoes!
Taking part in the carnival is a fun and rewarding experience for adults and children alike. The committee are dedicated to keeping the carnival tradition going and are willing to help, and support, anyone considering making a float for the first time.
The committee are here to help!
Kart racers!
Dig it!
No secret ingredients. Just a few essentials, a good idea and plenty of willing hands.
To pull you along the route
Your stage for the night
Power for all those lights
The brighter the better!
Wood, crepe paper, paint and imagination
Here are a few frequently asked questions you may have when considering starting a float.
Do I have to use crepe paper?
No. The carnival committee are aware that not all entrants wish to use crepe paper. Therefore, we have two classes entitled ‘Artistic’ where any materials can be used. This means that you do not have to use any crepe paper but if you wish to experiment with a little, then these are the classes for you! We also have a 'comic class' in which any materials are acceptable.
I would like to use crepe paper but I don’t know how?
If anyone is interested in using crepe paper then please contact a member of the committee who will be able to help you or put you in touch with someone willing to help and share the skills needed to do this (you can do this by searching for ‘Hatherleigh Carnival’ on Facebook).
What do I need to make a carnival float?
You will need a trailer, a tractor, a generator, lighting and materials to build your float (such as wood, crepe paper, etc). There are also some safety features which will be required, which can be found in the ‘Rules and regulations’ section of both the programme and this website.
Is it going to be expensive?
There will be some cost involved, but the key is to be resourceful – in other words ‘beg, steal and borrow’!! All classes receive a generous grant to help towards the cost. Working with friends and family will also help spread the cost further.
Are there any health and safety rules?
Yes, there are some mandatory rules which the carnival committee enforce in order to keep both the participants and the public safe. These rules do not involve a lot of extra work or preparation. These can be found in the ‘Rules and Regulations’ section of both the programme and also the website. Please contact a member of the committee to discuss the rules further.
When should I start making my float?
You should start to think of an idea a few months before carnival and aim to start preparing the carnival float in early September.
Who can I make a float with?
You can do it on your own but it is often more fun if you join forces with friends or family. Alternatively, if your child belongs to an organisation, why not find out if other parents or leaders are interested in making a float?
From crepe-paper masterpieces to comic capers, walking guys and decorated prams, there are 19 classes to choose from. Which one’s yours?
Building a float isn’t cheap, so the Carnival Committee gives a grant to every eligible entry to help towards the cost of materials.
Artistic tableaux, with or without moving parts (min 75% crepe paper).
Artistic tableaux, 13ft and under (min 75% crepe paper).
Artistic tableaux in any materials, and Comic tableaux.
Artistic tableaux, 13ft and under, in any materials.
Young Farmers, Visitors’ Artistic, Comic and Royalty Tableaux, and local decorated cycles, prams and carts.
Visitors’ Royalty Car.
*As long as the entry hasn’t already received a grant in the afternoon procession.
Every one of these was built by local families, friends and groups. Tap a photo for a closer look at the crepe-paper craftsmanship.
Have a chat with the committee. We'll help you get started, point you towards the right people and cheer you on all the way to the second Saturday in November.
Support your carnival
Since 1903, Hatherleigh Carnival has lit up our town with blazing tar barrels, floats and fun. It’s run entirely by volunteers, and every donation helps cover road closures, insurance and safety costs, keeping this unique tradition burning bright.
Make a one-time donation
Every donation, big or small, helps keep Hatherleigh Carnival running.
Donate to Carnival (opens our secure Stripe donation page)Secure payment by Stripe
