Celebrate summer with Kent’s carnivals in 2024

by Sam Lawrie

slawrie@thekmgroup.co.uk

Carnival season is almost upon us.

This summer, towns and villages all over Kent will be putting on lively parades filled with dynamic dancers, talented musicians, spectacular floats and beautiful carnival courts. Here’s where you can find your nearest procession…

Floats will be taking to the streets for Kent’s carnivals over the next few months. Picture: Maya Amangeldiyeva

Bearstead and Thurnham

This small but mighty carnival will start from Madginford Primary School at 12 noon and will continue through the village of Bearstead until 1.15pm. Then, on Bearstead Green, there will be a circus-themed fair with live entertainment, food and drink vendors and almost 100 stalls selling gifts and crafts.

When: Saturday, June 29 from 12 noon

Chatham

Medway’s biggest carnival returns this summer. The parade will take place along Chatham High Street in the afternoon, with a bustling food market in the Intra area, live music and a craft workshop in the Pentagon Shopping Centre where children can make their own cone hats in honour of the town’s Thomas Waghorn statue.

When: Saturday, July 6 from 12 noon

Community groups come together for carnival season to take part in the parades. Picture: Alun Sambrook

Deal

Deal’s carnival procession is back as part of the town’s Carnival and Regatta Week. The parade itself takes place on the last Thursday of the month but, on the few days before and after, there will be live music, dancers, fireworks, classic car shows, races and more.

When: Thursday, July 25. Timings to be confirmed.

Dover

Star Mchugh, who was crowned Miss Dover Town earlier this year, will be leading the carnival court for this year’s parade, which will start from Maison Dieu Car Park. Alongside carnival royalty, there will be dance groups, gymnasts, floats from local schools and community groups and fire engines.

When: Sunday, August 11 from 4pm

Faversham

The last carnival of the season will be in Faversham, where the regal carnival court will lead the procession. There will also be live music, large floats and dancers in the parade as it heads from Jubilee Way to Preston Street.

When: Saturday, October 12 from 4pm

Carnival courts, made up of local pageant winners, are a staple part of Kent’s carnivals

Gillingham

There’s not one, but two, carnival celebrations coming to Gillingham this autumn. The festivities begin with a children’s procession in the afternoon, while the illuminated procession, with twinkling lights and dazzling costumes, sets off through the town in the evening.

When: Saturday, October 5 from 3pm and 7.15pm

Herne Bay

The carnival at Herne Bay is one you definitely won’t want to miss as it comes with spectacular fireworks and big bands. The main parade takes place along the promenade, followed by a performance from the SOS Band and a fireworks finale over the pier to end the night at 9.30pm.

When: Saturday, August 10 from 6pm

Music groups from the community often provide the soundtrack for the parades

Knockholt

It’s the first time this carnival has been back in full force for six years, and the theme is the environment. Floats and outfits will all be designed with nature in mind, and there will also be a village fete at the recreation ground with stalls, music and food and drink.

When: Saturday, July 6 from 12 noon

Leysdown

Planning is well underway for this seaside carnival, with local schools and businesses busy building their floats as we speak. There will also be an appearance from the Sheppey Carnival Court and craft stalls lining the streets.

When: Saturday, July 27. Timings to be confirmed.

Some carnivals in the county have been running for more than 100 years. Picture: Louis Mclaren

Margate

Last year, Margate’s vibrant event was buzzing with Pearly Kings and Queens, steel bands, Brazilian-style dancers, children’s cartoon characters, soul singers and workshops, all set against the backdrop of the sandy beach.

When: Sunday, August 4. Timings to be confirmed.

Northfleet

It’s one of the county’s oldest carnivals and, despite almost getting the chop in 2019, it’s still going strong. This year, the residents from Northfleet, just outside of Gravesend, will take to the streets for another colourful celebration of the local community.

When: Saturday, June 22. Timings to be confirmed.

Paddock Wood

It’s a two-day affair this year, with foot-stomping live music on the Saturday at the Rockin’ on the Rec live concert, filled with local bands and tribute acts. Then, on the Sunday, the carnival hits the road and there’s also a fair with stalls, entertainment, food and a licensed bar.

When: Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14 from 12 noon

Ramsgate

Organisers recently put a call out on social media for some support from the local community to make sure this family-friendly event goes ahead. If it all comes together, there’s set to be costume-making, stalls, music and, of course, the lively procession.

When: Sunday, July 28. Timings to be confirmed.

The parades are full of colourful characters, from drag artists to street performers. Picture: John Nurden

Sheerness

Since 2022, Sheerness has been putting on a week-long festival that all builds up to its fabulous carnival parade. The festival includes craft fairs, puppet shows, poetry readings, quiz nights and outdoor activities on the beach. The carnival itself also has funfair rides and a dazzling fireworks display.

When: Saturday, August 17 from 4pm

Sittingbourne

Five ‘queens’ and ‘princesses’ from the local area will be dressed in all their finery to represent this year’s Sittingbourne Carnival Court. The court will be a sparkling highlight of this year’s carnival, which also has intricately decorated floats, street performers and musicians.

When: Sunday, August 25 from 1pm

Whitstable

This year, Whitstable is throwing a Fiesta by the Sea, so crowds will be expecting a fully-fledged party. The theme is sure to bring brightly coloured costumes, flamboyant floats and a boisterous parade to the harbour town.

When: Saturday, August 3. Timings to be confirmed.