By Rebecca Hannant
The Hornsea Carnival committee is calling for support as the team gears up for this year’s event in July.
As part of this year’s carnival, which is set to take place on July 21-23, the team is looking for support from the community including stalls, donations and sponsorship. The committee
is also providing lots of opportunities for youngsters to get involved in the lead-up to the event.
In line with the Coronation earlier this month, this year’s theme is Best of British.
The star attraction will be the parade of floats that runs through Hornsea. For many years it has attracted organisations and businesses who have created attractive floats for their chance to win the year’s rosette.
The popular treasure hunt will once again take place. Shops and businesses across the town will hide things in their window that do not belong there, and people are invited to find them all. Winning entries are then put into a hat and drawn to receive a prize provided by Hornsea Carnival or a sponsor. Once again, the committee is looking for businesses to take part.
The poster competition will also return and is open to children and teenagers up to the age of 17. The prizes will be awarded in two categories, ages five to 11 and 12-17. Winning posters will receive a prize and will be spread across Hornsea promoting this year’s event. Entries will be accepted until the end of May.
The carnival team is looking to appoint members of this year’s Royal Family, who will open the event on the Friday night, judge the floats alongside the mayor, and be the carnival’s guests for the full weekend.
Carnival organisers say the event simply would not go ahead without support from the community through sponsorship and fundraising.
Hornsea Carnival chairman Iain Poole said: “As you are all aware, Hornsea Carnival can only go ahead with the generosity of everyone who supports it, from the residents to local businesses. To this end, we are looking for local businesses all with strong roots in the area to support us.
“This year the cost of Hornsea Carnival is about £33,000. We have already raised a lot of money and we are seeking grants but we will have a shortfall – and, our hope is, if we could get 45 to 50 local business to help sponsor the event, with a sum from anywhere from £150 to £1,500, we would ensure Hornsea Carnival – which generates so much for the local area and benefits all local businesses – continues to grow.”
As usual, entertainment will be available throughout the weekend. There will be a showcase of music and live acts, as well as performances throughout. A full line-up will be released closer to the event.
The carnival is also looking for stalls and tents to trade at the event. Over the years the event has showcased a range of independents selling crafts, food and more.
Iain added: “Things are powering along with Hornsea Carnival, and the team are working behind the scenes to bring everything together for the largest and longest-running free carnival in East Yorkshire.
“But we still need help for everyone to make this a success – and we are still looking for a Royal Family. Could this be you? We want more floats. Are you a local organisation? Or group? If so we would love to have you along.
“We have so much happening – it’s going to be amazing. We are also still looking for support from local businesses, as Carnival cannot happen without your support. Will you or your company be the difference and make sure this amazing community event keeps going?”
Forms can be downloaded at hornseacarnival.org.uk/forms.
For more information, contact Iain on 07931 183033 or via email at [email protected].
