The forerunner of Hornsea Carnival which ran from 1948 to 1952 was officially called Hornsea Charities Festival.

In 1951, the Hornsea Charity Festival was run over Whit Week in May with events over 8 days including a procession, dances, and concerts in the Floral Hall, a sand castle competition, a baby show, children’s fancy dress and sports. The 5th and last Charity Festival took place between 31st May & 8th June 1952 with similar events to previous years.

After a patchy response to a letter from Hornsea Urban District Council, a public meeting was held about a new Carnival. A Committee was formed and various offers of help were received, particularly from North Cliff Boating and Water Skiing Club, which offered to incorporate its gala into the Carnival.

Attractions suggested were a procession of decorated floats, fancy dress, a beauty queen contest and a princess competition for younger contestants.

The 1st Hornsea Carnival took place on the 22nd and 23rd July 1967. There was a procession of decorated floats and fancy dress which the Holderness Gazette stated as a mile long. Coulson Builders produced the best float. There were events in Hall Garth Park and an estimated 10 thousand people attended. On Sunday the emphasis moved to the sea front with a treasure hunt and sand castle competition. During the afternoon the North Cliff Boating and Water Skiing Club mounted an invasion of the beach with the defence being in the hands of members of the Hornsea Sunday Youth Club. (I wonder who won – maybe someone can remember and let me know for next year’s programme). It was estimated there were 20 thousand spectators. The Carnival ended with a dance in the Floral Hall

In 1968 on the Friday there was a torchlight procession, bonfire and Hawaiian BBQ with dancing to The Blue Circle on the sea front. On Saturday, 42 floats together with children in fancy dress and decorated bicycles took part in the Carnival procession. The best float was by the residents of Ashcourt Drive, whose theme was The Old Woman who lived in the Shoe. In Hall Garth Park the main attraction was “It’s a Knock Out”.

In 1969 similar events took place to the previous year, but the biggest attraction was “Tanis” the baby elephant. The main event in the Park was a piano smashing competition!!

In 1970, Joan Wadsworth of Hornsea was chosen as Carnival Queen by non other than David Hamilton and Tony Blackburn, how times change, I don’t know if Radio 1 knows where Hornsea is!

Since then the Carnival has run very successfully with few changes. One of the most memorable Carnivals in recent years was when the Red Arrows gave a spectacular display on the seafront, unfortunately funds have not allowed us to have a return visit.

As far as I can recall, the only time the Carnival has had to be cancelled was 2007 when heavy and prolonged rain flooded Hall Garth Park. An alternative location was secured on the seafront behind the boat compound, but that area also flooded.

Although many Committee members have come and gone, they always remain very dedicated and give time and experience freely. Long may it continue.

And ... we all look forward to seeing you all at this year's carnival which couldn't have taken part without all our sponsors and the hard work of a dedicated committee and group of loyal helpers.