By Helen ffitch
The spectacular dance group Rampage International performed for the last time in the Swanage Carnival procession in Dorset, but made it one to remember as the sun shone and the crowds partied.
After years of entertaining the crowds, the Brazilian-style carnival dancers are disbanding and will be sadly missed after becoming a popular fixture of the parade’s finale, however the carnival committee say they’re already planning something special for next year!
Real carnival spirit is brought to Swanage by Rampage International
The stunning costumes make the dancers stand out in a crowd
Perfect weather
The carnival procession on Sunday 28th July 2024 set off in perfect weather, a complete contrast to 2023 when the rain stopped just in time for the parade but it was still windy and cold.
More floats than last year entered the procession, with many embracing the carnival theme of Jurassic Rocks.
There were also the marching bands, the jeeps, mopeds and Harley-Davidsons, as well as the emergency services vehicles.
The Lowry Family pick up the Best in Purbeck award with their dazzling disco display
Winners 2024
While everyone contributed towards the impressive event, a few special entries received awards.
- Best overall – Leslie Sprigg Award: Cumulus
- Most comical – John Lake Cup: Cumulus
- Best in Purbeck: The Lowry Family
- Other winners: Swanage Sea Swimmers, Railway Jurassic Adventure, Dementia Friendly Purbeck, Woodyhyde Campsite, Wimborne Mower Club
Rexy the Dinosaur appears on Banjo Pier among all the crowds that headed to the beach on Sunday morning
Jaws on Swanage beach!
Rexy the Dinosaur
Earlier in the day Rexy the Dinosaur, star of the film Night of the Museum performed for the crowds on the Banjo Pier.
The T-Rex animated model loaned for the day by props company The Twins FX based in Wareham was a big hit and made for a roarsome sight!
The Bournemouth Carnival Band in their distinctive Spiderman outfits
London by the sea!
Swanage town mayor Tina Foster with her consort Leslie Parkinson join in the fun
“Real party spirit”
After the procession some of the crowds headed to Sandpit Field for a drink and to see Rampage International in the parade ground for a final time.
Chair of Swanage Carnival Darren Strong said:
“It’s been fantastic weather and a brilliant day for the carnival procession. It’s a shame that Rampage International won’t be back next year but I’d like to thank them for all that they’ve done over the years to bring a real party spirit to our parade, whatever the weather!
“The good news is that we’re already planning for next year’s event and this gives us the opportunity to bring something new to the procession for 2025!”
Swanage Carnival continues until Saturday 3rd August 2024 with plenty more events planned including the Swanage Bay swim, the art auction, Scruff’s fun dog show, three silent discos, gig racing, fireworks and of course the wheelbarrow race.
More photos
