As unlikely as it sounds, Rexy the dinosaur from the blockbuster film Night at the Museum is to rock up during Swanage Carnival week 2024.
Following intensive negotiations, the carnival team has managed to secure a guest appearance from the Jurassic star turn for Sunday 28th July 2024 – the day of the parade through the town.
Rexy looking forward to his summer holiday at Swanage Carnival
Jurassic Rocks theme
eeping it fresh, this is just one of the new events and surprises for the eight days of festivities in Swanage from Saturday 27th July to Saturday 3rd August 2024.
With this year’s theme of Jurassic Rocks, it seemed obvious to invite the 12 metres long and 5 metres tall animated T- Rex model, which is owned by the special effects company The Twins FX in Wareham.
The carnival team get to meet Rexy at The Twins FX headquarters in Wareham
Secretary of Swanage Carnival Kevin Langdon takes his life in his hands!
“Brilliant selfie op on Banjo Pier”
Secretary of Swanage Carnival Kevin Langdon said:
“I saw Rexy on Facebook and thought why not? It fits with our theme and will create a brilliant selfie op on Banjo Pier.
“We were able to agree favourable terms with The Twins FX and I’m pleased to say that TV chat show host Jonathan Ross has generously co-sponsored Rexy’s appearance, making it all possible.”
Rexy appears in the film Night at the Museum along with actor Ben Stiller
Night at the Museum is all about how the museum exhibits all come to life at night causing chaos
Star of hit movie Night at the Museum
Rexy appeared in the 2006 hit movie Night at the Museum starring Ben Stiller, Carla Gugino and Ricky Gervais and afterwards toured around the US and UK before going on display at London Zoo and eventually ending up in a prop museum.
Gary Hardy-Brown who owns The Twins FX, along with his twin brother Paul, said:
“As well as making props we also buy them, so that’s how we acquired Rexy. He’s since appeared in pantomime, shopping centres and for blue chip company events. Now of course, he’s looking forward to a trip to the seaside this summer!
“We’re happy to get involved with Swanage Carnival as it’s a fun thing to do and it helps the local community fundraise. It’s great to be able to support a local event.”
Swanage Carnival is the biggest event on the South Coast happening over eight days
Rexy will be at Banjo Pier, and the Dinosaur Derby pictured here, will be at Sandpit Field
Lots of other inspired events
As well as Rexy, there will be other attractions with a Jurassic Rocks theme including a race in inflatable dinosaur suits called the Dinosaur Derby, the best decorated shop window competition, the carnival procession, the infamous wheelbarrow race and a show called the Totally Unleashed Dinosaur Experience.
A new event is the community day on Wednesday 31st July 2024 with performances on the Ballard Stage at Sandpit Field, from local groups including Ranger School of Dance, Swanage Musical Theatre and Allsort’d.
Other new attractions include a silent disco on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday nights, an art auction, a paddleboard race and a circus skills workshop.
Lots of the old favourites will be returning like the Swanage Bay swim, food demos, photographic competition, dog show, bingo, pool and darts competitions and carnival’s got talent show.
There’s 30 musical acts performing over the eight days including the Sway All Stars, Bournemouth Rat Pack, The Reptiles, Mother Ukers and the inspired booking of the T-Rex tribute band T-Rextasy!
Rexy has his eye on the chair of Swanage Carnival Darren Strong!
“The town just comes alive”
Chair of Swanage Carnival Darren Strong said:
“I’m looking forward to the whole eight days – the town just comes alive with everyone jumping about and lots going on.
“It’s great to see so many people enjoying themselves and for anyone who wants to get involved, this year we’ve put all the entry forms online on our website.”
Further information
- Latest on Swanage Carnival
- More about the special effects company The Twins FX
