Aldeburgh Carnival

All being well, after an unprecedented two-year break, Aldeburgh Carnival will return for the 78th time in 2022 on the 13th, 14th and 15th August.

Unlike so many carnivals, Aldeburgh is fortunate in being one of the few towns that has managed to continue a tradition which is at least 170 years old. In 1835 it was known as Ye Old Marine Regatta, becoming Ye Old Marine Regatta and Carnival in 1927 when a carnival procession was added to the programme of events. This was led by Father Neptune and his entourage – Queen Neptune, two Sharks, a Captain and six Sons of the Sea.

On 29 August 1892, 15 events were held – 12 sailing races, two swimming races and a greasy pole competition. One of the big attractions of the day was a race for the East Coast Lifeboats from Aldeburgh (the coxswain of the Aldeburgh boat then was James Cable), Thorpeness and Dunwich. Swimmers competed for the Aldous 20 Guinea Challenge Silver Cup, a race which still continues. That event featured firework, Japanese fireworks in the afternoon and a traditional display in the evening.

In 2017 the carnival celebrated its 75th birthday and in 2018 the event won the Family Tourism Event of the Year in the Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism Awards.

In 2022 music will feature at various venues throughout the town on Saturday afternoon. Sunday sports events will feature the 10k run, childrens races on the sea front greens and the quirky egg boat race. The big events on Monday will include launching the lifeboat, a military band leading the carnival procession in the afternoon and the magical lantern parade as the evening light begins to fade before it’s time for the spectacular firework display. Fund raising stalls and activities will continue over the three days and there will be lots of stalls selling their wares on the Crag Path.

It promises to be bigger, better and more colourful than ever, but still organised by a dedicated team of volunteers and supported by local businesses! For a brilliant three days out at the seaside, come to Aldeburgh Carnival. Details can always be found via: www.aldeburghcarnival.com