Photos: Colourful fun for Ramsgate Carnival 2021

September 12, 2021 Kathy Bailes Galleries 18

sccarnimain — Ramsgate Carnival Photo Steven Collis

Sunshine, crowds and a Honey Monster could be found in Ramsgate today (September 12) with the return of the town carnival.

Floats moved off from Royal Esplanade and travelled through Paragon, Royal and Harbour Parade, Plains of Waterloo, King and Queen Streets, Westcliff Road, Grange Road and back to Royal Esplanade.

As well as carnival courts, a Medway Queen float and a Morris/Steam Punk troop there was also the highly creative Making Waves float, featuring a replica sculpture of the iconic Pfizer Hands and Molecule sculpture on Ramsgate’s West Cliff, and highlighting both the joys of swimming in the sea and the threats to the environment of rising sea levels from climate change and pollution.

By working collaboratively the community groups behind Making Waves created a wonderful spectacle, without spending a penny on materials! Instigated by the group of Ramsgate sea swimmers behind the recent Swimmers Blanket and Swimzone installation on the High Street, it was supported by Ramsgate Town Council, Addington Street Community Group, Western Undercliff Regeneration Group, Ramsgate Litter Pickers, Ramsgate Arts,, Great British Carnival and Tales of Moon Lane children’s bookshop. Everything used to decorate the float was created from materials that were reused, recycled or litter picked in the local area.

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Carnival judges were so impressed that The Swimmers took top prize in the voluntary group category.

Scooping three prizes, including best in carnival was the Stage Door Arts with Arts in Ramsgate float themed Birds of Paradise.

Stage Door boss Heidi Moran said: “We collaborated with Arts in Ramsgate for our Birds of Paradise float – they ran a workshop making bird masks, shakers, bird and flower decorations with our children and their members.

“The workshops were held Stage Door Arts Studios, and brought together the local community, with people of all ages and abilities coming together to create art and have fun.

“Our float had around 70 children involved all dressed as birds or in bright festival colours, plus the cast of Matilda joined in too. We placed 1st in youth group category 1st in commercial category and we came overall first in the whole carnival.”