by Sam Hawcroft
One of East Yorkshire’s biggest and most beloved free events is back this weekend, as Hornsea Carnival returns from Friday, July 18, to Sunday, July 20, with a jam-packed programme of parades, live music, entertainment and family fun.
But behind the colour and excitement lies a small team of dedicated volunteers working tirelessly to make the whole thing happen. And this year, carnival chairman Iain Poole is urging more people to get involved and support the event financially to help secure its future.
“Everything is on schedule,” said Iain on the eve of the event. “The rides are going in, we have an abundance of traders lined up, and we’re ready. We’re keeping an eye on the weather – I think I’ve had six different forecasts in the past few days – but whatever happens, we go ahead.”
Friday evening marks the official start, with the fairground, food stalls and craft tent opening from 4pm, followed by a fireworks display around 9.45pm.
Saturday brings the spectacular town parade, which leaves Hornsea School at 12.30pm, judged earlier by the Mayor and the Mapplebeck family. The parade winds through the town centre before returning to the park, where the Beverley and District Pipe Band will lead the Carnival Royals into Hall Garth Park to kick off the day’s entertainment.
Themed “the Wild West”, this year’s event features the Knights of Nottingham jousting show, bird of prey displays, axe throwing, Star Wars cosplay from Phoenix Squad and Echo Base, and even a Jedi school. A full programme of live music runs both Saturday and Sunday on the Park Stage, and the craft tent and funfair will be open throughout.
Saturday night’s live music event returns to Hornsea Floral Hall for a second year – a move that saves the carnival thousands in infrastructure costs.
“It makes sense to use the facilities we have in the town, and Hornsea Floral have been brilliant,” added Iain. “But it still costs over £2,000 to run. Some people have even said it’s too expensive, but where else can you see four live bands for £20?”
He said the committee had seen a drop in both donations and business sponsorship this year, and stressed that even small, regular donations could make a big difference. “If every household in Hornsea gave just £5 – the price of a coffee at a motorway services – we’d cover the cost of the whole carnival without needing external sponsorship,” he said.
And beyond funding, the committee also needs people with practical skills to help with planning and delivery. “We don’t need more decision-makers – we need doers,” said Iain. “People who can take on tasks and lighten the load. It’s a massive event for just five people to organise.”
Hornsea Carnival remains one of the only large-scale free events in the region, and Iain hopes the community will continue to get behind it. “It’s rewarding – exhausting, yes – but so worth it. You don’t realise what you get out of it until you’re in the middle of it.”
For more information, including how to donate or buy tickets for Saturday night’s Floral Hall event, visit hornseacarnival.org.uk.