A visit to Swanage wouldn’t be complete without the quirky sight of child stormtroopers making an appearance. The picturesque seaside town was recently recognized as the 14th best in the UK by Which? readers for its stunning scenery and beautiful beach. However, what the rankings didn’t highlight is Swanage’s eccentric side.
During my visit to this Dorset town of 10,000 residents, located along the Jurassic Coast, I expected a serene coastal experience. To my surprise, Swanage is home to a unique and bizarre event – the iconic Swanage Carnival. Dating back to the mid-1800s with the first sailing regatta in Swanage Bay, the carnival aspect was introduced in the early 1900s. Notably, in the 1950s, renowned author Enid Blyton, known for Noddy and Famous Five, served as the carnival president.
Today, the Swanage Carnival features a spectacular show, highlighted by a captivating firework display viewed from the sea. However, the real peculiarity of Swanage lies in its carnival floats. I witnessed a lorry carrying a group of girls dressed as Star Wars stormtroopers, alongside the world’s only shopping trolley dance display team, Granny Tourismo, and an impressive aerobatic wingwalking show.
Each year, the carnival embraces a unique theme, with previous editions showcasing ‘Cirque du Swanage,’ featuring colorful clowns and whimsical circus floats. The eclectic mix of belly-dancers, majorettes, and quirky characters like Oompa Loompas adds to the town’s charm. Swanage’s ability to blend the bizarre with the fantastic creates an enchanting atmosphere, especially on sunny summer days.
The upcoming Swanage Carnival, starting on July 25 for eight days, promises to attract thousands of visitors with over 100 events. This year’s theme, ‘A wacky western in Carnival Canyon,’ hints at a blend of Stormtroopers in cowboy hats. Additionally, in September, the town will host Britain’s beloved morris dancers, adding to its vibrant cultural scene.
The ranking mentioned was based on an online survey conducted among 5,320 Which? Connect panel members who shared experiences from visiting UK seaside towns for leisure in the past year.