The programme of events for this year’s carnival is taking shape and the theme for the traditional parade through the town has been revealed.
For 2023, the Swanage Carnival theme will be ‘Under the Sea’, not just because of our lovely seaside location but also because this year has been designated ‘Year of the Coast’. The eight days of carnival fun will take place from Saturday 29th July to Saturday 5th August 2023.
Under the Sea – the new carnival theme for 2023
Bumper success
Building on the bumper success of the carnival in 2022, which saw the largest crowds ever flock to the town, the team are looking forward to putting on another impressive show this summer.
Secretary of Swanage Carnival Kevin Langdon said:
“After much discussion, our theme this year is ‘Under the Sea’. It ties in with The Year of the Coast, the Year of the Pier and the release of Disney’s Little Mermaid film and will hopefully inspire all those thinking to enter a carnival float.
“There’s lots of planning going on behind the scenes and while we’re still waiting for the big carnival attractions to be finalised, I can confirm the details of a number of fundraisers organised for the months running up to carnival week.
“This means that we can get our brilliant team together earlier and raise more money for good causes.”
The crowds flocked to the Swanage Carnival in 2022, boosted by the warm weather
Adding new sparkle to the paintwork
There’s more pre-carnival events this year to get everyone in the party mood, including the Carnival Classic Motor Show.
This popular event was founded in 1996 by Swanage resident Jenny Lazenbury but following her retirement, the carnival team will add a new sparkle to the paintwork, keeping alive her legacy of raising money for good causes.
Culvin Milmer and his son Eddie who helped Jenny organise the event in 2022, will continue to be involved, working under the umbrella of the carnival organisation.
Culvin Milmer (centre) with his son Eddie (left) at the Classic Motor Show 2022 with Jenny Lazenbury (right)
Pre-carnival events line up 2023
- Friday 17th March – Celebrate St Patrick’s Day at the Swanage Royal British Legion with entertainment from one of the carnival’s favourite bands The Bournemouth Rat Pack playing music from Sinatra to soul
- Thursday 4th April – Carnival Bingo at the Conservative Club in Swanage
- Sunday 23rd April – Carnival Classic Motor Show at Swanage’s Main Beach car park from 11 am to 3 pm
“Getting the fundraising ball rolling earlier”
Kevin added:
“It’s brilliant to be running more curtain raiser events this year, before the main carnival week – it will be great getting the fundraising ball rolling earlier.
“I’m hugely positive about this year’s carnival and we’re working hard to bring a fantastic programme together. I can’t confirm anything yet but a number of favourites will be returning as well as some new things – oh and we know that everyone loves planes, so we’re working on that too!
“We’ll be releasing more details as soon as things are firmed up and we’ll be producing a new all singing, all dancing printed programme with a fresh modern design for 2023, which will have all the information that you need.”
Sponsorship around the carnival arena on Sandpit Field
Swanage.News’s banner being put in place for 2022 by Swanage Carnival secretary Kevin Langdon (left) with Dave Sealey (centre) and Becky Mack (right)
Sponsorship opportunities
There’s also plenty of opportunities for businesses to get involved in the Swanage Carnival, which attracts thousands of people from across the UK to the town. Kevin continued:
“Any person or business that would like to be an official carnival sponsor or have an advert in the programme, should get in touch now, as we’re already making plans.
“We would like to make sure everyone gets what they want, whether it’s sponsoring an event, advert space or banners round the show ground, so do contact me via the website.”
Further information
- More details about the Swanage Carnival and the pre-carnival events including the Carnival Classic Motor Show are on the website or will be released soon
- To get in touch about sponsorship and advertising go to the website’s contact page
