ALMOST £30,000 has been donated to good causes by Swanage Carnival.
Organisers of the event handed over the funds at a presentation night to mark the success of the 2022 event, which took place from July 30 to August 6. A total of £29,150 was handed to 20 chosen organisations.
The committee behind the event said that, after the longest known break from holding Swanage Carnival in its history, they did not know what 2022 would bring. But the sun shone, and the crowds came, making 2022 a year to remember.
Carnival chair Maria Foot said: “Straight after Carnival 2019 we started looking for new events and coming up with improvements for 2020, but unknown to us the next two years would be cancelled due to Covid. Our work didn’t stop during this time, as we planned for various scenarios should restrictions lift.
“In the end it was nearly three years before we would set up on Sandpit Field again.
The presentation night was held at The Mowlem Theatre, which Maria said was a fitting setting for a celebration.
“The stunning venue gave us the chance to showcase what carnival is all about, which is raising money for charities and good causes that support our community,” she said.
“Our event is run by a team of volunteers who give their time to help raise as much money as possible.”
Maria said 2022 would be her final year at the helm of the carnival after five years.
To get involved with the 2023 carnival contact Kevin Langdon via secretary@swanagecarnival.com.