With hot weather and top events, Swanage Carnival was a scorcher of a week with crowds flocking into the town, hugely relieved and excited that Swanage’s annual fiesta was back after two years of cancellations.
From air displays to dinosaur shows, from cookery demonstrations to fun competitions, swimming and running races plus all the bands and late nights at the Carnival Arms, it’s been a memorable eight days, not forgetting, of course, the spectacular firework displays.
The carnival procession featured Samba music and Granny Turismo – the shopping trolly duo!
Postponed for two years
The event which ran from Saturday 30th July to Saturday 6th August 2022, normally takes place annually but had to be postponed in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid restrictions.
So while it meant there was plenty of time to plan, the carnival team was delighted that it was all able to happen this year and that it went ahead so smoothly.
The events carried on into the evening
“I don’t think we could have got it any better”
Chair of Swanage Carnival Maria Foot said:
“It’s been fantastic and tiring – weather amazing! I don’t think we could have got it any better.
“We won’t know exactly what we’ve achieved in terms of money raised for a while yet, but we’ll announce it at our presentation night in October. What I can say is that we’ve had an exceptional number of people in Swanage this week and exceptional support.
“While the money will go to a number of local good causes, my charity is the Stanley Purser ward at Swanage Hospital. It’s a 15 bed rehab and end of life ward that provides a much needed service to Swanage.
“The funds will go to support the working of the ward – giving the staff better tools to do their job.”
While plenty was happening on Sandpit Field, many chose to relax on the beach
Extremely busy
Always a popular week to visit Swanage, this year the town was extremely busy helped by the good weather.
The day of the carnival procession on Sunday 31st July 2022 saw a bumper number of people watch the parade, however the busiest day was probably the last day on Saturday 6th August 2022 with the dinosaur show, Titan the robot, the flypast by the Lancaster bomber and the fireworks in the evening.
The sea swim
Lancaster bomber circles round Swanage Bay and over Ballard Down
The wheelbarrow race
“Raise money for the community”
Secretary of Swanage Carnival Kevin Langdon said:
“The best bit for me was seeing the town come together – lots of smiling faces. We certainly put Swanage Carnival on the map this year!
“Of course the main reason we all do this is to raise money for the community and we should be able to help out lots of good causes following such a successful week. The weather has been great and it’s the first year that I can remember when we haven’t had to cancel an event.
“The carnival team couldn’t have worked any harder so lots of thanks must go to them and everyone who helped out including the hoteliers, hospitality staff, shopkeepers, emergency services and residents.”
Electro House Masquerade EHM at Prince Albert Gardens
The Reptiles in the marquee
“It’s been amazing!”
Maria added:
“Yes I’d second that – thank you to everyone for all your hard work and support – it’s been amazing!”
The work now begins to plan for 2023 but this year’s Swanage Carnival will be a hard act to surpass!
Watch the videos
Granny Turismo joins the procession
Junior sea swim race filmed by Andy Lyons
Wednesday night fireworks
Avro Lancaster bomber flies across Swanage Bay
Friday night fireworks filmed by Andy Lyons
More photos
And it’s a wrap – all packed up for next year!
