Summer Carnivals
Harwich & Dovercourt Summer Carnival in the 1930's, A classic "Wallis" Postcard
These summer carnivals, much like the Autumn Guy carnivals were extremely popular in the 1930's.
This photo was taken from the Co-operative clock tower, at the junction of Kingsway and Dovercourt High Street, looking East.
The town had these summer carnival for many years, where the big heads would often make an appearance and also appear at other carnivals around East Anglia area.
This postcard is yet another "real photograph" from the famous Wallis publishers, who produced cards from around 1910 to the late 1930's.
Postcode for the nearest location is CO12 3LL click here for Google Earth imagery.
Summer Carnival Floats (1934)
Harwich & Dovercourt Summer Carnival in the 1930's
These summer carnivals, much like the Autumn Guy carnivals were extremely popular in the 1930's.
This photo was taken from the Co-operative clock tower, at the junction of Kingsway and Dovercourt High Street, looking East. The town had these summer carnival for many years, where the big heads would often make an appearance and also appear at other carnivals around East Anglia area.
These summer carnivals, much like the Autumn Guy carnivals were extremely popular in the 1930's.
This photo was taken from the Co-operative clock tower, at the junction of Kingsway and Dovercourt High Street, looking East. The town had these summer carnival for many years, where the big heads would often make an appearance and also appear at other carnivals around East Anglia area.
The Carnival Queen, Cliff Park, Dovercourt, Essex (1938)
For much of the 1920's and 1930's local carnivals were major events and tourist attractions to the local area. These were held in the summer as well as the "Guy Carnival" in the Winter months. Fund raising, fun filled events included the appointment of a Carnival Queen each year, this being one of the most popular activities and as can be seen here.
The assemblage of local dignities and organisations set in Cliffe Park against a backdrop of the Bandstand, shows that this was a semi-serious matter, that was sadly shadowed by the outbreak of the Second World War the following year.
For much of the 1920's and 1930's local carnivals were major events and tourist attractions to the local area. These were held in the summer as well as the "Guy Carnival" in the Winter months. Fund raising, fun filled events included the appointment of a Carnival Queen each year, this being one of the most popular activities and as can be seen here.
The assemblage of local dignities and organisations set in Cliffe Park against a backdrop of the Bandstand, shows that this was a semi-serious matter, that was sadly shadowed by the outbreak of the Second World War the following year.
Dovercourt Bay Carnival Queen, Miss Hilda Dowling of Harwich (1933)
For much of the 1920's and 1930's, our local carnivals were major events and important tourist attractions to the local area. These were held in the summer as well as the "Guy Carnival" in the Winter months. Fund raising, fun filled events included the appointment of a Carnival Queen each year, being one of the most popular activities and as can be seen here.
These events were well supported and raised much needed funds for local charities, the effort that went into creating the floats and costumes was outstanding and makes you realise the creativity back then was second to none. The publicity was also impressive with special postcards printed each year for the winning carnival queens, two of which can be seen below (published and presented by the Harwich Newsman in 1933 & 1934).
For much of the 1920's and 1930's, our local carnivals were major events and important tourist attractions to the local area. These were held in the summer as well as the "Guy Carnival" in the Winter months. Fund raising, fun filled events included the appointment of a Carnival Queen each year, being one of the most popular activities and as can be seen here.
These events were well supported and raised much needed funds for local charities, the effort that went into creating the floats and costumes was outstanding and makes you realise the creativity back then was second to none. The publicity was also impressive with special postcards printed each year for the winning carnival queens, two of which can be seen below (published and presented by the Harwich Newsman in 1933 & 1934).
2nd prize, at the "Summer Carnival", Dovercourt (1934) photo by J.A. Saunders
The photograph taken here of the "runners-up float" was taken at the Junction of Marine Parade and Orwell Terrace, Dovercourt in 1934. The "2nd Prize" win of a princely £3, was subsequently donated to the Harwich & Dovercourt Hospital. In the background is the old Convent School and entrance to Cliffe Park Gardens.
The summer and winter "Guy" carnivals were celebrated for many years and drew large crowds, particularly in the 1930's, to the area, with the "Big Heads" both scary and memorable, particularly on a dark, November evening.
A float from the 1930's
Harwich & Dovercourt Summer Carnival by Wallis
Harwich & Dovercourt Summer Carnival by Wallis
The "Big Heads" ~ The Nightmares Remain !
