Douglas Carnival’s future up in the air

The redevelopment of the capital’s promenade has thrown a spanner in the works for planners of Douglas Carnival, with the event’s immediate future still up in the air.

A proposal to relocate the parade route on to roads along the perimeter of Noble’s Park was discussed at a meeting of Douglas Council this week (February 13). 

Officers also suggested the carnival be combined with Noble’s Park Fun Day in a bid to ‘boost numbers’, save money and to cut down on any ‘logistical issues’.

The proposed new route would start at the Grandstand, turning left at St Ninian’s traffic lights, left onto Upper Dukes Road, then left up Dukes Avenue, before ending in Noble’s Park.

Many councillors questioned the viability of this plan, including leader David Christian, who said he couldn’t see how the event could be adequately controlled, particularly in a residential area.

He argued that footfall from the Carnival gives back to traders, so holding it in Noble’s won’t be of benefit.

Mr Christian suggested the Council shouldn’t hold the Carnival until the promenade becomes a viable location again, and instead should concentrate funds on improving the Noble’s Fun Day.

Councillor Stephen Pitts, who chairs the Regeneration and Community committee, which manages Council events, conceded the event was difficult to relocate.

After the discussion, councillors agreed to seek clarification from officers over the proposed new route, and no decision has yet been taken over the Carnival’s future.