Suffolk's award-winning seaside Carnival

Aldeburgh

Carnival

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Carnival 2026. Dates for 2027 will be announced here as soon as they are confirmed.

Get involved Latest news

Carnival 2027 Dates to be announced

Run by volunteers Every part of the weekend is organised by local people

Award winning Family Tourism Event of the Year 2018 (EADT / EDP)

Looking back at 2026

Three days by the sea

Music, sport and the grand procession filled the 2026 weekend. The 2027 programme will be published once dates are confirmed.

Saturday

Music Day

Live music on the beach
Find a seat on the shingle for an afternoon of local artistes
East Anglian Kite Flyers
Giant kites all day
Duck Races
Ducks were on sale on the Moot Hall Greens
Silent Auction
On Moot Green Sunday afternoon

Sunday

Sports Day

10k Mini Marathon
Our famous run through the Aldeburgh countryside
The Egg Boat Race
Carry a raw egg, unbroken, across the Model Yacht Pond
10/10 Treasure Hunt
Ten items, ten clues, between Crag Path and the beach
Punch and Judy
Plus United Songs of Praise on the greens

Monday

Carnival Day

The Carnival Procession
From the Moot Hall and down the High Street
Carnival Queen crowning
At the Moot Hall
RNLI and HM Coastguard
Air-sea rescue demonstration
Waiters Race and sea swimming
Two long-standing Carnival Day traditions

Our heritage

A seaside tradition, year after year

Aldeburgh is one of the few towns to keep its carnival going when so many others have had to stop. Known as Ye Olde Marine Regatta as far back as 1835, it began with sailing and swimming races, lifeboat races and the Greasy Pole.

The carnival procession arrived in 1927, led by Father Neptune and his entourage. Bold and bright entertainment for the whole family, with plenty of traditions kept true.

1835: Ye Olde Marine Regatta
1927: First carnival procession
2018: Family Tourism Event of the Year

Read our history

Get involved