About The Carnival
Hornsea Carnival has been going strong since 1967, and has a proud tradition in the town, with many long standing buisness supporting the Carnival over the years, most notably the world famous Hornsea Pottery.
Community
Carnival brings everyone together
Acceptance
Carnival is for everyone
Fun
Carnival is fun for all
Growth
Each year we try to do more for the community
Gratitude
Without the Community there is no Carnival
Have a Carnival Story ? We would love to hear from you.
A Brief History of Hornsea Carnival
The first Hornsea Carnival took place on the 22nd and 23rd July 1967. There was a procession of decorated floats and fancy dress which the Holderness Gazette stated as a mile long. Coulson Builders produced the best float. There were events in Hall Garth Park and an estimated 10 thousand people attended.
On the Sunday the emphasis moved to the sea front with a treasure hunt and sand castle competition. During the afternoon the North Cliff Boating and Water Skiing Club mounted an invasion of the beach with the defence being in the hands of members of the Hornsea Sunday Youth Club. It was estimated that there were 20 thousand spectators. The Carnival ended with a dance in the Floral Hall
In 1969 the biggest attraction was “Tanis” the baby elephant and the main event in the Park was a piano smashing competition!!
In 1970 Joan Wadsworth of Hornsea was chosen as Carnival Queen by none other than David Hamilton and Tony Blackburn from Radio 1.
Since then the Carnival has run very successfully with few changes. One of the most memorable Carnivals in recent years was when the Red Arrows gave a spectacular display on the seafront, unfortunately funds have not allowed us to have a return visit.
The only times when the Carnival has had to be cancelled was in 2007 and 2012, when heavy and prolonged rain flooded Hall Garth Park. And more notibly 2020 and 2021 due to COVID.
A dedicated group of local volunteers has been putting on the Hornsea Carnival since 1967. Although there had been similar events in the years before, 1967 saw the start of the Carnival in its current format.
Throughout its history the carnival has provided fun and entertainment for the community of Hornsea and the surrouding area, and for many it has always signalled the start of the summer holidays.
During the heyday of the traditional seaside holidays of the 1960s and 70s the carnival attracted many a celebrity to open the event. Comedians and pop stars of the day would often venture to Hornsea whilst performing at summer seasons in nearby Bridlington and Scarborough.
For many years the Carnival held its launch night on Hornsea seafront where onlookers have been treated to aerial displays from wing walkers and the legendary Red Arrows.
Hornsea celebrated its 50th Carnival in 2016 with a theme of Golden Moments which allowed the town to celebrate and reminisce on the last 50 years. Since 2016 the Carnival Committee have worked tirelessly to grow the event and it is now a key fixture in the Hornsea calendar. In 2017 we launched our slogan “Your Community, Your Carnival” putting the community firmly at the heart of the event. Our community village has grown year on year and showcases Hornsea’s many and varied groups and charities.
At the heart of every years Carnival has been the Parade. Taking place on the Saturday, the community is invited to join the mile long parade route which snakes its way around Hornsea. Entrants have the opportunity to win a variety of rosettes for their decorated floats and vehicles based on the theme of that years carnival. We have seen some very creative entries over the parades history.
Visitors to the Carnival can now enjoy our Friday night launch party with live music, acts and fabulous firework display followed by 2 full days of live entertainment, music, arts & crafts and delicious food. All contained within Hornsea’s beautiful Hall Garth Park.
The event has and always will remain free to enter and the committee remains dedicated to putting on a Carnival for all the local community.
We look forward to welcoming you to Hornsea to celebrate carnival with us this year.
Established Since
Parade Miles Walked
Previous Acts Hornsea Carnival
– 2001 –
Had Hornsea see the Red Arrows Display team showcaisng theri skills over the North Sea to a very excited crowd.
– 2005 –
Hornsea expierened the reality of medival battle’s under the blazing East Yorkshire sunshine.
– 2006 –
The Utterly butterly wing walkers dazzle the residetns of Hornsea with feats of daring about the North Sea.
We’ve Been going strong For Over 50 Years
Each year carnival has a packed programme of on offer starting from 5pm on Friday with spectacular fireworks at 9.45pm, through to late afternoon on Sunday, and there really is something for everyone. Based at the Hall Garth Park grounds.
The tagline is ‘Your community, your carnival’, and this spirit is growing ever stronger as each year passes. Even though it does attract holidaymakers and day visitors, this really is a community event, with most local people turning out to support it.
The committee is made up of volunteers and we spend the best part of a year organising it, relying on donations and fundraising to keep it going. I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped in some way over the past year, all your efforts are much appreciated.
To find out more about joining the carnival committee, use our contact form.
Hall Garth Park can be found off Newbegin, via Cinema Street, postcode HU18 1PA. The nearest car parks are Broadway/Leisure Centre, Sands Lane and Hornsea Burton Road.
Carnival 4
Carnival 3
Carnival 2
