Previously known as "The Bournemouth Regatta", then "The Boumemouth Regatta and Carnival", Bournemouth Carnival has a history dating back to around 1865 when two local hoteliers had a challenge for a rowing race in the Bournemouth Bay. This was then repeated annually to be called the Regatta.

The first known "Carnival" was in the late 1890's with a spectacular procession which occurred at the tum of the century in 1900.

The Rowing and Sailing Regatta continued with breaks for both World Wars. A few carnival processions were organised for special events and in 1950 a special carnival was held called The Boscombe Carnival which then ran until 1958.

The Carnival was reintroduced into Bournemouth in 1968 with a starting point in Manor Road, followed by Grove Road and then on The East Overcliff Drive.

In 1972 it was reintroduced to Boscombe, starting in Kings Park with a route along the
Seafront to Bournemouth, finishing at The Town Hall.

In 1974 the organisation became totally voluntary supported, unaided from Council funds.

With the pedestrianisation of Boscombe followed by Bournemouth Town Centre ,the route was unfortunately forced to change yet again and in 2000 we saw the last of the Seafront Processions. It now runs from Meyrick Park in Bournemouth and around the Town Centre.

The Carnival Organisation have also been responsible for many other events in Bournemouth, for example;

Bringing The Red Arrows to Bournemouth, with the financial help of Bournemouth Hoteliers and Tourism.
They originaly organised the annual firework display from the old Bolson's jetty which was adjacent to Bournemouth Pier.
They also organised the Miss Bournemouth Contest, now known as the Carnival Queen Contest, the Pier to Pier swim, the Pier to Pier road race, the Talent Show, the Bride
and Bridesmaid of the year and quite a few other events which are now extinct (e.g. The Greasy Pole event on Bournemouth Pier).

As one of the oldest voluntary organisations in Bournemouth Carnival Commitee is still looking for new ideas and new members.

Please contact The Secretary if you think you can help.