South West Water is supporting this summer’s Dawlish Carnival, helping ensure the town’s much-loved event goes ahead safely and successfully as important infrastructure improvements continue across the area.

Running from 9–15 August, Dawlish Carnival is one of South Devon’s most anticipated summer highlights. Organised entirely by local volunteers, the event brings the town to life with a vibrant mix of family activities, beach games, music, performances, and a spectacular carnival parade.

As vital infrastructure upgrades continue in Dawlish to help protect local rivers and bathing waters, South West Water 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.  

Pennon CEO, Susan Davy said: “Dawlish 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.”
 
Angie Weatherhead, Chair of Dawlish 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.”
 

Dawlish Carnival

South West Water’s ongoing work involves the construction of two large underground stormwater storage tanks, which will help ease pressure on Dawlish’s combined sewer system during heavy rainfall.  

These tanks will reduce the frequency of storm overflows, protecting the quality of local rivers and bathing waters.  

While this essential work continues , South West Water remains committed to working closely with the community to minimise impact and support local events. 

For more details about this year’s Dawlish Carnival, visit dawlishcelebratescarnival.co.uk