By Rebecca Hannant
Organisers of this year’s Hornsea Carnival have thanked visitors and everyone involved behind the scenes after the successful return of the three-day event.
For many schoolchildren, July 22 marked the start of the six-week summer holiday – but it was also the first day of the carnival, which was back with a bang after a two-year break due to the pandemic.
There was fun for all the family, from fair rides and stalls to local traders and a wide range of entertainment on the music stages and in the performance arenas. Dozens of local organisations, including the Hornsea Lions, the RSPB, Army Cadets and many more, were also invited to celebrate their causes and raise money.
Friday’s proceedings started at 4pm with the stalls and attractions before the official opening was marked with a firework display.
On the Saturday, the celebrations kicked off with the parade, which saw members of local groups and organisations bringing colour to the streets of Hornsea and Hall Garth Park, observed by thousands of spectators from near and far.
Included in the parade were the Carnival Royal Family, as well as representatives from Humberside Fire and Rescue, Hornsea Walking Football, CLIPS, Leafy Seadragon, Hornsea Youth Club, the Floral Hall, Hornsea Lions, Hornsea Peloton, Hornsea Harriers and First Steps Day Nursery. Hornsea Inshore Rescue decorated the Spirit of Hornsea lifeboat with a pirate theme, while the crew dressed as pirates. Hornsea Mermaids also put on a performance of dance and music while dressed in mermaid tails, accompanied by a fundraising jellyfish.
Children and adults accompanied the parade dressed in a wide range of costumes including fairies, dinosaurs, butterflies and children’s favourites George and Zippy from Rainbow, Winnie the Pooh, Mr Potato Head and Snow White.
On Sunday, the festivities continued with the annual tug-of-war competition which saw local teams try to beat last year’s winners, Hornsea Inshore Rescue. The first round saw the Hornsea RUFC Ladies battle against Humberside Fire and Rescue. Although both teams put up a good fight, Humberside Fire and Rescue secured their win before taking on the reigning champions.
The lifeboat crew were “well and truly beaten” by the firefighters to claim this year’s trophy. The victorious Humberside Fire and Rescue team then held a final round with the children – but the firefighters were heavily outnumbered and, this time, had to taste defeat.
Hornsea Carnival chairman Iain Poole said: “As a team we have been blown away with all the positive comments we have received from the public. Each of our events was warmly received, and full of people engaging with what was happening. We couldn’t be happier.
“Among the highlights for me had to be the parade, which was one of the largest in a few years and looks to expand further next year as we have had even more interest. My personal highlight was having Definitely Maybeez, Electric Enemy and Bang Bang Romeo in the music tent – the sheer talent of these groups was truly awesome to witness. I only wish I could have sold more tickets, as we sold 99 per cent of our advance tickets and only had a few left on the door.”
The carnival was well attended by people near and far, and organisers are now looking to next year’s event, which promises to be even bigger and better.
Iain added: “I would like to thank everyone who bought a ticket or donated, as in doing so you supported Carnival, and you are ensuring we will put on an event next year. We have also attracted a few new members, which is going to be great to get more people on board.
“Now, here is to next year – and let’s make things bigger and better. We still have the ability to take donations, and you can do so at any time of year by buying the carnival team a coffee.”
To donate, visit hornseacarnival.org.uk/product/carnival-coffee.
