The history of Swanage Carnival

The Swanage Regatta & Carnival goes back to the mid 1800’s when the first sailing regatta was held in Swanage Bay. Several years later, in the early 1900’s, a carnival was held to celebrate the finale of the sailing regatta, hence the formation of the Regatta & Carnival.

The road race, or the “Swanage 12”, as it is traditionally known by, was the next event added, soon becoming one of the most popular of events and attracting competitors from a wide radius. The South Coast Rowing Association started holding their races in Swanage in the 1950’s, becoming part of the Regatta programme that was, at a later date, to set the pattern for the present day Regatta & Carnival Week.

In the 1950s the Swanage Carnival gained further renown when the children’s author of the moment, Enid Blyton, took up the position of Carnival President. Blyton was heavily involved in various aspects of Purbeck life – with her husband, Kenneth Darrell Waters, she owned the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club in Studland and many of her books are heavily influenced by the landscape of this, her favourite holiday destination. It’s recorded that Blyton also helped to organise the famous fireworks display that continues to be one the main attractions of the event to this day.