SWANAGE Carnival has returned with wacky costumes and spectacular fireworks for eight days of events.

The carnival, which first began in the mid-1800s, is one of Swanage’s largest annual events and attracts around 250,000 visitors each year.

This year the theme is ‘under the sea,’ to represent the seaside town as well as promote the environment and Year of the Coast.

Festivities began on Saturday, July 29, with live music, a fire engine pull and evening fireworks.

Becky Mack has been volunteering at Swanage Carnival for 14 years and said this year’s procession, which took place on Sunday, saw more walking entries than ever before.

She said: “We had an amazing procession with loads of floats, and one of the bands was in the King’s coronation procession.

“There were also swan outfits, that ties in really nicely with our Swanage Carnival logo.”

Unfortunately, this year’s airshow performance, starring the Aerosuperbatics WingWalkers, was cancelled due to weather conditions.

Despite this, Becky said the turnout for the carnival has been amazing, with a queue forming on Monday morning before any events had started.

“We didn't know what to expect because obviously last year, after a couple of years off due to Covid we had huge attendance.

“I think everyone was just really keen to get to an outdoor event so we weren't sure what this year was going to be like, but there were people queuing to get in on the Saturday when we opened, so we don't usually get that.

“So that was a great start, and just a large volume of people here throughout the day.”

Events are taking place each day, with a finale firework display on Saturday, August 5.

“Thursday is a big day because in the lower high street there’s live music and DJs playing up on Prince Albert Gardens, and then fancy dress in the evening,” said Becky.

“And then our finale on Saturday, we've got the motorbike stunt display team and then our final fireworks display.”