In what should have been the start of the hugely popular Swanage Carnival week, the carnival committee are still hoping to raise a smile, despite the cancellation of this year’s event due to coronavirus.
Determined not to be defeated by a global pandemic, the team are encouraging everyone to dig into their pockets and buy some raffle tickets, while also having a bit of carnival fun at home, taking photos and posting them online – all in the best possible Swanage Carnival taste!
There may not be a carnival procession, fireworks, live music, wheelbarrow race and no infamous beer tent, but there’s still the Swanage Carnival Facebook Page and the team says that if you’re in Swanage and having fun, please post your pictures online for everyone’s amusement.
“No marquee is really quite sad”
Swanage Carnival secretary, Kevin Langdon said:
“We are, of course, absolutely gutted not to be able to hold Swanage Carnival this year, especially as it was due to start today. Not seeing Sandpit Field full of stalls and no marquee is really quite sad.
“On the bright side, we have asked the local community and visitors through social media to hold their own carnival events at home – and send in their videos and photos to share, which will be great to see.”
‘Pop up’ shop in Institute Road
The carnival team have also set up a ‘pop up’ shop in Institute Road where there’s plenty of the usual goodies to buy like t-shirts and the iconic Swanage Carnival cups.
The shop has been kindly lent to the committee and was formerly Purbeck Plumbing and Hardware. It will be open from 12 to 4 pm every day this week, staffed by the usual fantastic team of volunteers.
One of the UK’s largest charitable events
Carnival week is usually one of the UK’s largest charitable events and last year donated £28,800 to local good causes. While this year, there’s no way that the same amount can be raised, the committee is running a Grand Carnival Draw in the hope of being able to give something away to local charities.
Raffle tickets are £1 each with a top prize of £150 cash. The draw will take place on Saturday 1st August 2020. The tickets are available to buy in the Swanage Carnival shop and other retail outlets across the town including:
- Bliss Restaurant in Kings Road East
- Costcutters in the High Street
- Herston Yards Farm Shop
- Ruby Tuesdays beauty salon in Tilly Whim Mews
- Serendipity hair and beauty in Commercial Road
- The Office Cafe on Prospect Business Park
- Travis Perkins on Victoria Ave Industrial Estate
“Family fun, entertainment and raising money for local charities”
Swanage Carnival secretary, Kevin Langdon added:
“The carnival is all about family fun, entertainment and raising money for local charities and good causes, so if you would have normally chucked some money in a bucket this week, please consider buying some raffle tickets or donating through our website.
“We can’t wait for next year’s Swanage Carnival and preparations are already underway – so get the date in your diary now for 31st July to 7th August 2021.”
Donations to Swanage Carnival can be made via the website
Photos and videos of holding your own carnival events at home can be sent by messenger to the Swanage Carnival Facebook page.
