Wareham Carnival: 1959 - 2024
By Bob Dean, Wareham Carnival Volunteer
Celebrating local talent, good humour and community spirit!
Back in the depths of time Wareham locals created Carnival! 65 years of Carnival in Wareham. That’s a long time – it’s since the days of rock and roll and steam trains, it’s before the Northmoor Estate was started. We have the records and it’s still going strong.
The town and local areas largest yearly event will be rumbling and rocking through Wareham on 21st July 2024 celebrating local talent, good humour and community spirit. Expect noise, costumes, some chaos and plenty of fun!
Wareham Carnival is for the young and old - just like it’s always been.
In the 60’s we saw the whole town at the roadside cheering on tractors and floats, marching bands, dancing children in Sunday best and shops displaying flags and banners. Today parents and children still line the route along North Street and up to the “Rec” watching dinosaurs, Disney characters, star troopers, field gun crews and floats, while bands play. Its for young and old, just like it’s always been.
Theme for Wareham's 2024 Carnival
Our theme for this year is Sport, Music and Memories. The Olympics are with us, Music makes us move and brightens our lives, while Memories stretch back to all previous Carnivals and the characters who produced them in the past.
Looking forward to seeing you all at Carnival on Sunday 21st July – dress up, have fun, meet friends, Remember its your Carnival! WE ALL MAKE IT HAPPEN.
See the full programme of events below…
Programme for Wareham Carnival Weekend
Friday 19th July
On Wareham’s Recreation Ground with a big Marquee with live music! Longdog will play rock, blues, a little psychedelia and anthems. Listen, drink beer, gin for the ladies and plenty of room to dance. From 7.00 – 11.00 pm.
Saturday 20th July
A laid – back afternoon and early evening on the Rec, take it easy, natter, have a drink listen to the music of The OBG Project – as seen at Wareham Beerex. From 2.00 – 5.00 pm
Sunday 21st July
Carnival Day! Procession starts at 1.00pm in North Street and via West Street ends up at the Wareham’s Recreation Ground, where the field and arena will be full of events, food stalls, craft and interest stalls, the bar and most importantly people. Cos it’s a people’s event so come and mix, have a laugh and enjoy.
Times for the Wareham Carnival Procession
12.00 Noon Procession entries assemble on North Causeway
12.30 Judges arrive for Procession viewing
1.00 Procession Starts
Town Cross Procession Entries Judged
2.00 pm Procession arrives Wareham Recration Ground
2.30 pm Carnival Events Begin on the Recreation Ground
Remember the Carnival Bar and onsite food is available at all of these events on the Rec. (Entrance to Wareham’s recreation ground is on the Worgret Road or Streche Road)
Find more details about the Carnival on the Wareham Carnival website.
Or find us on Facebook.
More Wareham Carnival events...
Wait!!! Carnival is much more than a 3 day bash. We organise plenty of other events through the year…
Saturday 24th August: Duck Race – get another chance to “splash out” at Wareham Bridge
Saturday 17th August: Flower Show – a traditional afternoon of craft events with a flower festival showing talents from all over our local area. Wareham Scout and Guide Hut.
Article first published in Love It Local Magazine Summer 2024. Read the full magazine on our website.
