The first 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 the 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. It was estimated that there were 20 thousand spectators. The Carnival ended with a dance in the Floral Hall
In 1969 the biggest attraction was “Tanis” the baby elephant and the main event in the Park was a piano smashing competition!!
In 1970 Joan Wadsworth of Hornsea was chosen as Carnival Queen by none other than David Hamilton and Tony Blackburn from Radio 1.
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.
The only times when the Carnival has had to be cancelled was in 2007 and 2012, when heavy and prolonged rain flooded Hall Garth Park.
Although many Committee members have come and gone, they always remain very dedicated and give time and experience freely.
Long may it continue.
