24-05-2025
Carnival fever gripped town as celebrations continued
Swanage Carnival in 1999 continued its long-standing tradition as a major summer event, drawing crowds for a week of family fun and entertainment.
The event featured a variety of attractions, which included a grand procession, live music, and community-based activities.
Attendees of the carnival enjoyed a period of settled and hot weather, with temperatures reaching up to 27.7°C on July 30th, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
The procession showcased a mix of creatively themed floats from various local and visiting carnival clubs.
For instance, popular culture of the time was reflected in some floats seen on the broader carnival circuit that year, such as entries based on "Star Wars – Episode 1: The Phantom Menace and Teletubbies.
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Live musical performances were a key part of the festivities, with local bands like Cadillac playing.
As with every Swanage Carnival, the 1999 iteration was run by dedicated volunteers with the aim of raising significant funds for charitable causes within the community.