IT’S one of the biggest annual events in Swanage’s calendar.
Thousands of people are set to descend on the seaside town when Swanage Carnival returns this weekend.
The eight-day extravaganza will feature more than 100 events including a procession and three firework displays.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Swanage Carnival week taking place?
Swanage Regatta and Carnival Week returns between Saturday, July 30 and Saturday, August 6, 2022.
When was the last Swanage Carnival?
The carnival has been cancelled for the past two years due to the Covid pandemic.
It is the first time the event had to be cancelled for two successive years. It was only cancelled once previously and that was due the Second World War.
Read more: Back by popular demand - pictures of Swanage Carnival
When is the procession?
The star attraction is the procession which takes place on Sunday, July 31 at 3pm. The 2.5 mile route will feature floats, dancers, marching bands and more.
What’s this year’s carnival theme?
This year’s theme is 'Once Upton A Time' with organisers hoping to “sprinkle some fairy tale magic” during the event and make this year’s carnival “extra special”.
Will there be an air display?
Yes, this year there will be two.
Rich Goodwin will soar across the skies in his highly modified Pitts Special S2S ‘Muscle Biplane’ at 2.30pm on Sunday, July 31.
Then, the iconic Avro Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will fly on the afternoon of Saturday, August 6.
Read more: Youngsters prepare to lead returning carnival after two-year wait
When are the fireworks?
There will be three firework displays during carnival week.
These will each take place at 9.45pm on:
- Saturday, July 30
- Wednesday, August 3
- Saturday, August 6
What else is happening?
Other highlights will include:
- Children's fun run races on Saturday, July 30
- Swanage Bay Swim on Monday, August 1
- A four-mile run run on Wednesday, August 3
- A dog show from 12.15pm at Sandpit Field on Wednesday, August 3
- A vintage and classic car show on Friday, August 5
- Titan the Robot on Saturday, August 6
- Meet the dinosaur family on Saturday, August 6
Where can I get more information?
The carnival information caravan is open between 12noon and 5pm until Friday, July 29.
Then from Saturday, July 30, to Saturday, August 6, it will be open from 10am to 10pm.
It is situated in Shore Road, between Funworld Swanage and the Swanage Information Centre.
Alternatively, visit swanagecarnival.com where you can also purchase a programme.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here