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The Beast of Bodmin Carnival - A celebration of all things dark

The Beast of Bodmin Carnival is set to wow the crowds this August with an incredible line-up of live entertainment, trade and food stalls, finishing with a spectacular fireworks display.

From fire dancers and fantastic live music, to weird and wonderful face paintings, unique gifts and delicious food, the Beast of Bodmin Carnival on Saturday 24th August promises a tremendous day out for all.


Only in its second year, and organised by Bodmin Jail, the carnival is set to top the 2023 event with even more crazy fun.


Three main spaces in the vicinity of the jail will be the base for the carnival events. The jail courtyard will have a plethora of entertainment, from live music, Samba and dancing, to extraordinary fire shows. As visitors make their way through the courtyard, passing trade stands, even more activities can be found in the picnic area. Punch and Judy will be putting on a classic show, and visitors will be able to take advantage of a stellar food and drink offering. Across the road from the jail in the green will be the mini beast zone - the perfect spot for families and children. There will be even more trade and food stands to browse, party entertainment, and the circus tent will be full of craft activities, plus some science fun from the Discovery42 team. To finish the evening, there will be a grand fireworks display over the jail, starting around 9pm.

But the main event of the day will be the Beast of Bodmin Carnival procession, starting at the top of the high street from 12pm before making its way through Honey Street, finishing at the jail at 1pm. Set to be a big, smoky procession with a brand new beast at the centre of it all, the carnival parade is sure to be a sight to behold. Residents are encouraged to line the streets to catch a glimpse, before heading over to the jail to continue the fun.


Rhiannon Lydall from Bodmin Jail said: “The idea of the procession is to celebrate the dark history and heritage of Bodmin and Cornwall, as well as the jail’s uniqueness. This is about giving Bodmin back its beast!”


Visitors are encouraged to embrace their dark side and dress up as uncanny and unique as possible.

For more info about the Beast of Bodmin Carnival, plus other jail events throughout the year, visit

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