Swanage Carnival

The South Coast's premier carnival event for the whole family to enjoy - Sat 25th July to Sat 1st August 2026
Welcome

The South’s Premier Carnival

Swanage Carnival is an annual eight day event held in the picturesque coastal town of Swanage, Dorset. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse entertainment, and community spirit, the carnival attracts visitors from near and far, offering something for everyone to enjoy and supported by voluntary contributions.
Swanage Carnival is run entirely by volunteers with no paid staff and is funded mainly by sponsorship and donations. Once all the costs are covered, any additional money raised is distributed to local charities and good causes. 

2026 Carnival

Swanage Carnival Week is the largest and most exciting summer event on the stunning Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Held annually in late July and early August, this week-long festival is a highlight of the summer calendar, attracting thousands of visitors to the picturesque seaside town of Swanage.

From a spectacular carnival procession and thrilling air displays to live music, fireworks, sporting events, and a wide range of family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

A Celebration of Community and Fun

At the heart of Swanage Carnival Week is the town’s vibrant community spirit. The packed programme of events includes a huge variety of activities, including air displays, live music, sporting events, games, competitions, firework displays and not forgetting the highly anticipated Carnival procession as well as   fun fair rides, beach activities and craft markets. Alongside the entertainment, the Carnival proudly raises significant funds for local charities, making it a truly meaningful event for all involved.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re looking for family fun, live entertainment, or an unforgettable day by the sea, Swanage Carnival Week is the perfect way to experience summer in Dorset.
Plan your visit today and discover one of the UK’s best coastal festivals.

If you haven’t already, don’t forget – you can still donate via the Swanage Carnival App or our website. Every penny goes towards supporting fantastic local charities and helps us make next year’s Carnival even better!

www.swanagecarnival.com/donate


Recent news & events

Donate

Raising thousands of pounds each year for our chosen charities and good causes

In 2025 Swanage Carnival celebrated another successful year, giving away a staggering £41,600 to 23 selected organisations. The donations were awarded at our annual presentation night and we have been delighted to learn how these hard raised funds have been put to great use in our community.

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Our 2025 sponsors

Planning to stay?

The Pines Hotel

The Pines Hotel enjoys an unrivalled position with a magnificent view over Swanage Bay on the south coast of Dorset …more

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Dream Cottages

Dream Cottages are Dorset’s leading holiday cottage provider. With an offering of over 300 self-catering cottages, from coastal retreats to country hideaways, we …more

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Sykes Holiday Cottages

At Sykes, we offer our customers the ability to book a huge range of over 20,000 holiday cottages to rent …more

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Hipcamp

Find yourself outside. Discover and reserve campsites, caravan parks, cabins, glamping, and more.

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Brook Lodge

Spacious 1-bed, ground floor apartment in Swanage town centre with off-road parking. Brook Lodge is a ground floor flat with …more

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Swanage Haven

Five Star Award Winning Boutique  Accommodation in The Heart of Dorset.  The Swanage Haven is 5* Room accommodation with a difference. …more

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Corfe & Purbeck Holidays

Whether you are seeking a family getaway, celebrating a special occasion, or craving a tranquil retreat, we are here to …more

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Dorset Cottage Holidays

Dorset Cottage Holidays is a locally owned and run agency, based in Corfe Castle for over 20 years.  We represent …more

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Millbrook Guesthouse

Millbrook is a friendly family-run guesthouse a few minutes walk to the town centre, beach pubs and restaurants. We are …more

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Swanage Holiday Properties

Looking for the perfect place to stay during Swanage Carnival? At Swanage Holiday Properties, we offer a welcoming collection of …more

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