Whitley Bay Carnival 2022

‘G1ANT’ no 1 is an island

For the first time the carnival has a story to tell

A group of lab rats grown huge in size and intellect have escaped from a scientific research project and taken boats to a seaside town called Whitley Bay. Their task to tell the people the truth, to spread the word that ‘no 1 is an island’ and that the Fat Cats are dangerous, the Fat Cats don’t care about anything but their profits. So together the giant rats and the people hatch a plan to teach them a lesson and help them to change.

Led by the giant rats the fat cats will join the parade believing they are the guests of honour followed by representations of all the positive forces in our lives.

Parade begins 11am Saturday 28th May at Whitley Bay Metro Station

In 2022 we return to our usual date on the last Saturday in May with the colourful costumed walking parade at the heart of a full day of live music, street theatre and celebration from 10am till 8pm on rainbow corner Marine Ave, The links and the Spanish City Plaza. The sea front site is well served with award winning eateries supplemented by street food and bars and if you want to bring a picnic that’s fine too.

The parade sets off from Whitley Bay Metro Station at 11am and is due to arrive on The Links at 12 noon via Station Road, Whitley Road, Park View and Marine Ave.

How you can join in.

We create carnival in community carnival clubs hosted by groups and schools and in schools workshops in the area. Carnival clubs are the place for you if you want to come along regularly and get involved in big makes as well as costumes. The clubs usually start in January. We will share open Carnival club venues and times soon.

If you just want to dip your toe in come along to one of our May Saturday drop in sessions at Whitley Bay Big Local 158 Whitley Road.

Come along on your own, with a friend, a neighbour or the whole family, make a costume and join the parade. Each Saturday in May from 10.00 – 12.00 and 13.00 – 15.00 our carnival artists will be there with materials and tools and lots of help.

Want to join the band?

We have two open access carnival bands who rehearse weekly during term time at Rockcliffe First School. Open to all ages and abilities.

Spanish City Rollers are a brass and woodwind band – just bring your instrument and come along on Wednesdays 6pm – 7.30pm

Drumatic samba band meet on Thursdays from 6.30 – 8.30 all instruments provided

Join our sponsors and help us keep carnival on the road

Join the Band

‘Drumatic’ samba drummers

Open to all ages and abilities rehearsals Thursdays 6.30 – 8.30 at Rockcliffe first school

all instruments provided

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We Can’t Wait To Celebrate With You!

The Spanish City Rollers

Play a little or a lot of brass or woodwind? Could you keep time on the drum? The Spanish City Rollers are open to new members. Band leader Graham Hardy leads rehearsals Wednesdays weekly in term time from 6pm – 7.30pm.

Make Carnival at home

Can’t get to the parade? Missing the atmosphere? Make carnival at home! Decorate your place, make your own flags of hope, have a picnic in your garden or your yard, make a costume and dress up. We have materials and videos to help. Get in touch, share your ideas, pictures and videos in May and carnival weekend. Use the hashtags #giant #whitleybaycarnival when you share on social media