VILLAGERS are preparing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Exmoor’s last remaining street carnival next week.

For four decades, Porlock Carnival has brought colour, music, laughter, and plenty of imagination to the village, creating memories for generations of residents and visitors.

The special milestone of 40 years of community spirit will be marked on Saturday, September 5.

The carnival actually has a history which stretches back even further, to the 1960s, while in 1977 the village celebrated the Silver Jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II with a carnival parade.

In the 1980s the village’s retained firefighters decided to have an annual carnival and the Porlock Carnival Committee was formed, making 2026 the committee’s 40th anniversary parade.

England may have ultimately disappointed in the football World Cup finals of 1998, but the year's Porlock Carnival lived up to expectations.
England may have ultimately disappointed in the football World Cup finals of 1998, but the year's Porlock Carnival lived up to expectations. (Contributed)

Today, Porlock is proud to be home to what has been described as Exmoor's last remaining regular street carnival, with the procession bringing the village to life each September.

The event is already listed as one of the key carnival dates in the 2026 Somerset carnival calendar, and High Street will once again be the centre of the celebrations.

Over the years, the carnival has seen hundreds of imaginative entries take to the streets, from elaborate floats and walking groups to children, local organisations, businesses, and community groups.

Previous carnivals have featured everything from Harry Potter and Star Wars to Robin Hood, Porlock Oysters, and, more recently, winning entries from the village school and local groups.

The event is not just about putting on a spectacular procession.

It is also about bringing the community together and raising money for local good causes.

Donations collected during the carnival are distributed to charities, organisations, and community projects in and around Porlock.

In 2024 alone, the carnival raised at least £2,000 despite poor weather keeping some spectators away.

The 2026 carnival promises to be particularly special as the committee celebrates four decades of the annual tradition - and there is still plenty of time to get involved.

The committee is encouraging local residents, families, businesses, organisations, and community groups to enter the procession and help make the 40th anniversary one to remember.

Entry forms are available from the Whortleberry Tearoom and Porlock Information Centre, and can also be accessed using a QR code displayed on carnival posters and banners around the village.

A spokesperson said: “Whether you have a big float, a small walking group, a fancy dress idea, or simply want to get involved with friends and family, we would love to see you taking part.

“And for those who do not fancy entering, we urge everybody to come along, line the streets, and support those who have put in the time and effort to create their entries.

“After 40 years, Porlock Carnival remains a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together.

“So, whether you are planning to enter, volunteer, or simply stand on the roadside and cheer, the message from the carnival committee is simple - come and be part of Porlock’s 40th anniversary carnival and help make history on September 5.”