Swanage Carnival cowboys have revealed some of the 2026 programme highlights for the eight day festival with a Wild West theme, as they enjoyed some time out at the children’s farm in Langton Matravers, Dorset.
Ahead of the Swanage Carnival, which takes place from Saturday 25th July to Saturday 1st August 2026, volunteers got into the spirit of things down on the farm, although the real ponies and donkeys were not too sure about some of the carnival team’s inflatable horses, which was entirely understandable!
Members of the carnival executive team lead the way by getting into the cowboy spirit
Inflatable horse outfits for 2026
On Wednesday 22nd April 2026 Salt Pig The Farm Putlake played host to the carnival crew for the photoshoot with an impressive display of cowboy paraphernalia rescued from the back of drawers or dressing up boxes.
Having discovered the joy of inflatables for the Jurassic Rocks themed carnival in 2024, when inflatable dinosaur suits proved very popular, some of the carnival team were more than eager to step into the inflatable horse outfits for 2026.
This year the Swanage Carnival is going to turn the town into ‘A Wacky Western in Carnival Canyon’, hopefully minus the bar brawls and cowboy shoot outs.
Favourite events like the Wheelbarrow Race is back for 2026
Swanage is always packed for the carnival, especially for events like the Fire Engine Pull
Carnival highlights 2026
- Flypast by BBMF Dakota ZA947
- Team Raven Air Display
- Rodeo Bull
- Rodeo Stampede
- Wild West Fancy Dress Competition
- Wild West Show and Walkabout
- Wacky Western Skills Workshop
- Disco Dancing Classes plus a surprise event
- Granny Turismo
- Titan the Robot
Where’s the rodeo show?
Chair of Swanage Carnival Neal Diffey (left) and a goat (right)
“A real showstopper”
Chair of Swanage Carnival Neal Diffey said:
“The carnival always comes round again very quickly but we are very much looking forward to recreating the Wild West this summer at Sandpit Field!
“We have around 100 events over the eight days, with traditional favourites like the Wheelbarrow Race and new attractions like riding the Rodeo Bull, as well as some surprises.
“There’s lots of new volunteers this year which is great – maybe it’s the attraction of getting dressed up as cowboys – who knows?!
“The Wild West theme has certainly proved very popular and we’re expecting the carnival parade on Sunday will be a real showstopper. Hopefully everyone who comes to watch will get dressed up as well!
Secretary of Swanage Carnival Kevin Langdon (left) and Chair of Swanage Carnival Neal Diffey (right) scare off the ponies to the other side of the field!
The Red Arrows were spectacular for the start of Swanage Carnival in 2025
No Red Arrows for 2026
In 2025, the RAF acrobatic team, the Red Arrows made the first Saturday of carnival, one to remember.
Unfortunately they aren’t available to perform this year, but there are plans to create an equally enthralling start to the week.
The sheriff Neal Diffey (right) and his deputy otherwise known as vice chair of Swanage Carnival Cam Tomes (left)
Kevin Langdon just kidding around with the goats!
“Still a really good air show planned to get the week going”
Secretary of Swanage Carnival Kevin Langdon said:
“It’s disappointing not to see the Red Arrows return to the carnival for 2026 but we understand they will be abroad during July. However, we have lined up a very good alternative, the Team Raven formation aerobatic display team.
“I’m told they are the next best thing to the Red Arrows, so we are very excited about the air display which will take place on the first Saturday.
“Also, on Saturday there will be a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota ZA947 – built in the US, the transport plane was used throughout World War Two and is now a display aircraft. It will be a real sight to see over Swanage Bay.
“So there’s still a really good air show planned to get the week going, along with all the other events, shows, music, and competitions!”
Over the next few months more details will be released about the full programme and how to get involved.
At the start of the summer, the printed souvenir programme will be available to buy in advance, plus the Swanage Carnival app will have all the programme details once the week is underway.
The Carnival Classic Motor Show is always well attended in Swanage
The Main Beach car park is transformed for the day
Carnival Classic Motor Show
In the meantime, the Swanage Carnival Classic Motor Show is on Sunday 26th April 2026. It takes place from 11 am to 3 pm in the Main Beach car park with a selection of classic and vintage vehicles mostly dating from pre-2000.
It’s an enjoyable day out with some stalls and refreshments, which attracts both residents and visitors alike.
The money raised goes to local charities and good causes, and is a perfect curtain raiser to the Swanage Carnival later in the year.
Salt Pig The Farm Putlake pigs are bemused by all the cowboy visitors
Gorgeous kids growing up fast!
Further information
- More about Swanage Carnival
- Details about visiting Salt Pig The Farm Putlake
