The Burnham on Crouch Carnival

A history of the Burnham Carnival

This article was originally published in 1999. The carnival has its recent origins in 1908 and will celebrate its centenary year in 2008. Come and visit the Burnham Carnival in Burnham on Crouch, Essex. Always the last Saturday in September

90 years ago according to records, Burnham put on its first Torchlight Procession on the nearest Saturday to November 5th.

The procession was probably a direct replacement for the rolling of flaming tar barrels through the town into the square by the Clock Tower and the lighting of a bonfire in the same place on Guy Fawkes night (a procedure that was obviously becoming dangerous). The procession was also seen as a way of raising funds for local charities, a function that is still fulfilled today.

It may well be that there were daytime Carnival processions before this: photos do exist of processions in the town, but we do not know if these occurred on an annual basis or just special occasions such as coronations, jubilees or victory celebrations - we however have based our anniversaries on the first documented Torchlight (or illuminated) procession.

There was a break in Carnival continuity during the First World War and again during the Second World War. In 1947 on Saturday November 1st the Carnival started with afternoon events on the Mildmay Field with such things as a Comic Football match, a bicycle obstacle race and a Mammoth Boxing Tournament. The procession started from the Clock Tower at 7pm and at 9pm a Gigantic Bonfire was lit by Lady Booth on Millfield and followed by community singing. In 1948 the bonfire disappeared from the entertainment and there was a Mardi Gras in the High Street after the procession.

In 1953 the first funfair appeared in the High Street “Billy Smarts Super Funfair’ later to change its name to Stevens. The High Street was invaded during Thursday and Friday for the fair to open on Saturday. The Dodgems stood outside what is now the NatWest Bank, and various rides and “side stuff’ through the High Street down to the “Victoria” Inn and any spare plot in between. The “Whip” was situated where Augers now stands and a set of Galloping Horses were erected in the “Anchor” car park. The Carnival flourished for many years in this format until 1966 saw trouble arrive at Burnham Carnival with an invasion of “mods and rockers” causing mayhem. It appeared that Burnham Carnival was finished and the committee disbanded.

Not everyone was prepared to let go of tradition and a new committee was formed with many “old faces” still present and 1967 saw the one and only Afternoon Procession since 1909, in early September instead of late October. It was a brave but dismal affair but undeterred the committee were determined this Phoenix would rise from the ashes . . . and it did.

The Carnival in 1968 was an evening Illuminated procession leaving the Clock Tower at 7.3Opm and Carnival was back, although on a smaller scale. There were no funfairs again until 1971 when Stevens returned to the town and set up on the Recreation Ground, return to the High Street would never be an option again.

Through the 70’s the Carnival built success upon success and in the 1980’s reached its peak becoming the longest Illuminated procession in East Anglia if not in England. The largest number of floats taking part in this decade reached an amazing 82 with 12 Bands and Majorette Troupes interspersed amongst them. The head of this procession having started at the Clock Tower, proceeded up the High Street and Station Road, up Orchard Road to turn into Dunkirk Road was suddenly confronted with the rear of its own procession still trying to leave Dunkirk Road to go down Silver Road and lower High Street to “start” at the Clock Tower. From front to back this procession must have been a mile long, and to enable the procession to continue all the Bands and Majorette troupes were stood to one side to allow floats to “bunch” up. What a night that was!

Carnivals in the 90’s have not achieved quite these proportions, but processions remain large and the quality is superb. What other carnival can boast a full size steam locomotive “in steam” on a 20 wheel trailer weighing in total close on 100ton taking part in a night time procession - and completing the route!

Burnham Carnival still pulls in huge crowds and has taken another major step by having its days events back in the High Street with almost non stop entertainment from Mid-day to Midnight. Burnham Carnival has a reputation second to none throughout Eastern England, there must be a reason why up to 20 other carnivals want to send their Queens and their Courts to Burnham, and is a showpiece for which the town should be truly proud.

The last Saturday in September is the day when “Locals” who have moved away come “home” to be reunited with their roots and their memories and enjoy the best carnival for miles . . . and miles . . . and long may that continue into the new millennium.

Originally published by John Randall, 1999

Carnival Route (32711 bytes)

Videos of Burnham carnival 2007