Events

Carnival Draw

Your chance to win big! Grab a ticket for just £1 and be in with a shot at incredible cash…

What’s not my line

A two week-long town trail challenging you to spot the one thing in each shop window that doesn’t belong.

Best Decorated “Wacky Western” Shop Window

We’re inviting all local businesses to get into the Carnival spirit by decorating their shop windows in line with this…

Foot Treasure Trail Hunt

Follow the clues to guide you around Swanage and you could be in with a chance of winning a cash…

Beachcomber Art Competition

Walk along the shoreline and gather what you can find to make a collage picture on paper.

Childrens Painting Competition

Draw or paint a picture of what you like best in Swanage.

Community Corner: Yoga on the Beach

Crafts

Art for Fun

An open creative session inviting everyone to relax and make something.

Saturday, 25 July

Community Corner: Salsa / Cuban Dance Class

Get in the Cuban spirit with a step by step guide to Cuban salsa – full of energy and sure…

Art For Fun

An open creative session inviting everyone to relax and make something.

Rodeo Bull

The Rodeo Ride simulates riding a bucking bull in true rodeo style.

Photo Marathon

A creative 48-hour photography challenge capturing the spirit of Carnival week.

Shore Runners

A scenic run along the shoreline combining fitness with fresh sea air.

Wild West Show and Walkabout

The show features walkabout cowboys, snap photos, and feel the thrill.

BBMF Dakota Flypast

Watch in awe as the The Douglas C47 Dakota passes over Swanage Bay

Team Raven Air Display

Team Raven is the premier UK-based civilian formation aerobatic display team.

Rodeo Stampede

A hilariously unpredictable race featuring inflatable horses.

Fire Engine Fun

Come and take a close look at the fire engine and its firefighting equipment, you’ll also have the chance to…

Silent Disco

A unique dance experience where the music plays through your headphones.

Wild West Fancy Dress Competition

Expect homemade chaps, wobbly moustaches, suspiciously inflatable horses, and enough fringe to re‑decorate the Marquee twice over.

Fire Engine Pull

A test of strength and teamwork as teams attempt to pull a full-sized fire engine.

Raw Samba

The vibrant, high‑energy Brazilian‑style samba band bursting with rhythm, colour, and pure joy.

Fireworks

A magical evening display lighting up Swanage Bay in true Carnival style.

Sunday, 26 July

Rodeo Bull

The Rodeo Ride simulates riding a bucking bull in true rodeo style.

Community Corner: Yoga on the Beach

Start your day with a peaceful yoga session on the sand, surrounded by the sounds of the sea.

Carnival Praises

A welcoming celebration of music, reflection and community spirit.

Ranger School of Dance

The school frequently collaborates with the local community and performs at prominent venues.

Granny Turismo

Meet the first and only shopping trolley dance display team.

Beach Buggy Club & Top Hat Riders

A colourful showcase of unique vehicles and proud owners.

Carnival Procession

The heart of Carnival week, filled with floats, music and community pride.

Monday, 27 July

Community Corner: Yoga on the Beach

Start your day with a peaceful yoga session on the sand, surrounded by the sounds of the sea.

Crafts

Arts and Crafts Fair

A showcase of local creativity featuring handmade art, gifts and crafts.

Community Corner: Meet Purbeck Sounds Radio

Meet our presenters and join our guests live on stage.

Regatta Trophy Bowls Drive

A friendly but competitive bowls drive played for the Regatta Trophy.

Community Corner : The Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society

The Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society is a UK-based group dedicated to preserving the traditional art of letter writing in a…

Go Kart GP

Fast-paced racing action with plenty of competitive spirit.

Putting

A classic Carnival putting competition that’s all about steady hands and quiet focus.

Food Demonstration by Swanage Bay Fish

A live seafood cookery demonstration celebrating fresh, local produce.

Swanage Bay Swim

An organised open-water swim along the beautiful Swanage coastline.

Darts Competition

A friendly but focused darts tournament for players who fancy testing their aim.

Carnival Bingo

A lively bingo session full of laughs, anticipation and friendly competition.

Tuesday, 28 July

Art For Fun

An open creative session inviting everyone to relax and make something.

Community Corner: Yoga on the Beach

Start your day with a peaceful yoga session on the sand, surrounded by the sounds of the sea.

Junior Crabbing

A seaside favourite giving children the chance to try their hand at crabbing.

Table Top Sale

A relaxed community sale where you never quite know what you’ll find.

“Our Last Steps” Book signing

Come and meet Dani whose book "Our Last Steps" charts Dani's journey ,a story that has already touched so many…

Wacky Races

A high-energy race packed with creativity, teamwork and a touch of chaos.

Junior Tennis Tournament

A structured tennis tournament giving young players the chance to compete during Carnival week.

French Boules Singles Tournament

A friendly pétanque tournament combining skill, strategy and social spirit.

Food Demonstration by Christian from Salt & Co

A live cooking demonstration showcasing bold flavours and local ingredients.

Dinosaur Derby

A hilariously unpredictable race featuring inflatable dinosaurs.

Crafts

Art Auction

An auction of original artwork raising funds during Carnival week.

Putting Semi Final

The next stage of the putting competition as top scorers compete for a place in the final.

4 Mile Fun Run

A scenic four-mile run welcoming participants of all abilities.

Pool Competition

A structured pool tournament for players who fancy a competitive challenge.

Wednesday, 29 July

Art For Fun

An open creative session inviting everyone to relax and make something.

Community Corner: Yoga on the Beach

Start your day with a peaceful yoga session on the sand, surrounded by the sounds of the sea.

Community Corner: Zumba

An energetic group fitness session set to upbeat music.

Carnival Sea Stig Racing

Here’s your chance to be our Carnival Paddling Stig Racer.

Community Corner: Swanage Gymnastics Display

A display of skill and strength from local gymnasts.

Scruffs Fun Dog Show

A light-hearted dog show celebrating personality as much as pedigree.

Senior Tennis Tournament

A competitive tennis tournament for experienced players during Carnival week.

Food Demonstration with Chef Gareth

A live cookery session packed with flavour and practical inspiration.

Silent Disco

A unique dance experience where the music plays through your headphones.

Putting Final

The decisive round of the Carnival putting competition.

Biathlon

A multi-discipline sporting challenge combining endurance and determination.

Community Pre Firework Entertainment

Music and entertainment for everyone - come and join in the fun.

Carnival Community Firework Display

A shared evening fireworks celebration for the whole community.

Thursday, 30 July

Community Corner: Yoga on the Beach

Start your day with a peaceful yoga session on the sand, surrounded by the sounds of the sea.

Community Corner: Martial Arts (Aikido) Demonstration

Join us for a live demonstration and discover a supportive way to feel stronger, more aware and more in control.

Junior Table Tennis

A fun and competitive table tennis event for younger players.

Sand Sculpture Competition

A beachside building challenge where imagination takes centre stage.

Wacky Pick up and Play Workshop

A hands-on workshop where you can try your own wild west tricks.

Carnivals Got Talent – Auditions

A lively showcase where local performers step into the spotlight.

Childrens Party and Disco

A high-energy party packed with music, dancing and fun for younger Carnival-goers.

The Cellar Bar Gig Racing Challenge

Fast-paced rowing action on the water, showcasing teamwork and strength.

Beer Pong

A fun, competitive social game adding a playful edge to Carnival week.

Silent Disco

A unique dance experience where the music plays through your headphones.

Fancy Dress Street Party

A colourful street celebration where costumes, music and community spirit collide.

Yard of Ale Challenge

A traditional challenge inviting brave participants to take on the yard glass.

Friday, 31 July

Art For Fun

An open creative session inviting everyone to relax and make something.

Community Corner: Yoga on the Beach

Start your day with a peaceful yoga session on the sand, surrounded by the sounds of the sea.

Senior Table Tennis

A fast-moving table tennis tournament for adult competitors.

Vintage and Classic Car Show

A showcase of beautifully maintained vintage and classic vehicles.

Community Corner: Aerobics and Stretch with Vanessa

Pavement Artist Competition

A colourful street art competition where the pavement becomes the canvas.

Childrens Songs And StoryTime

A gentle, interactive session of songs and stories for younger children.

Carnival Lunchtime Bingo

A relaxed lunchtime bingo session with plenty of laughs and anticipation.

Childrens Painting and Beachcomber Art Prize Presentation

A celebration of artistic achievement as prizes are awarded to competition winners.

French Boules Doubles Knockout Tournament

A pairs pétanque tournament where teamwork and strategy decide the winners.

Carnivals Got Talent – Final

The grand final where the best acts return to compete for the top spot.

Wheelbarrow Race -The Ultimate Challenge

A high-spirited chaotic team race, testing coordination and stamina!

Karaoke Party

Grab a mic and warm up those vocal cords! The Karaoke Party at the East Bar is the ultimate way…

Saturday, 1 August

Art For Fun

An open creative session inviting everyone to relax and make something.

Rodeo Bull

The Rodeo Ride simulates riding a bucking bull in true rodeo style.

Community Corner: Words to Inspire Poetry

Purbeck Sounds invite you to join the 'Words To Inspire' Poetry show live.

Indoor Rowing Challenge

A test of endurance and power on the rowing machine.

Flash Mob

A new rhythm is rising outside the Mowlem —and you’re invited to be part of it.

UnBoxed presents: CATCH OF THE DAY

Catch of the Day is a delightfully absurd mix of aerial circus, music, and physical comedy, inspired by silent film…

Wacky Pick up and Play Workshop

Come and get involved with our pick‑up‑and‑play workshop.

Titan the Robot

An interactive robotic character bringing humour and spectacle to the Carnival site.