Hornsea Carnival
Grand Parades, Friday Night Fireworks and Free Seaside Gala Fun.

---

Posted on 25th July 2026

---

Considered by locals to be the official start of the summer season on the East Yorkshire coast, Hornsea Carnival is the largest and longest-running free volunteer-led carnival in the region. Running continuously in its current format since 1966, the three-day festival draws upwards of 25,000 visitors to the seaside town every July.

Dates have been locked in for Friday 16th to Sunday 18th July 2027. Based at the beautiful Hall Garth Park, the weekend packs in live music stages, extreme arena stunt shows, craft marquees, a giant funfair, and a famous town parade. Entry to the park remains 100% free for all spectators.

What to Expect Across the Weekend 🎪🎆

Hornsea Carnival follows an established, action-packed three-day schedule that offers something for every member of the family.

• Friday Night Launch (From 4:00 PM): The weekend kicks off on Friday afternoon as the funfair rides power up, craft marquees open, and local food traders set up. The official Mayor's opening takes place in the evening, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over Hall Garth Park around 9:45 PM.
• Saturday Grand Gala (From 10:00 AM): Saturday opens early in the park before the focal point shifts to the town streets at 12:30 PM for the annual carnival parade. Afterward, main arena displays—including stunt teams, dance troops, and wrestling shows—run continually through the afternoon.
• Sunday Family Fun Day (From 10:00 AM): Sunday takes a slightly gentler pace, opening with the annual 10k/Fun Run in partnership with Hornsea Harriers. Visitors can enjoy live music stages, dog shows, duck races, and trade stalls until 6:00 PM.

The Saturday Parade & Town Route 🚜🎉

The Saturday parade is the heartbeat of the festival, featuring decorated floats, marching bands, fancy-dress community groups, and classic vehicles.

• Departure Time (12:30 PM): Floats assemble at Hornsea School and Language College before departing promptly at 12:30 PM.
• Town Centre Route: The procession weaves through Atwick Road, Mill Lane, Market Place, Newbegin, and New Road before circling near the promenade and returning along Cliff Road into Hall Garth Park.
• Road Closures: Rolling road closures operate along the main town roads between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to ensure safety while the parade passes.

Photo Gallery

---

Plan Your Visit 📅

Essential visitor details for organizing your carnival weekend:

🎟️

Admission Cost

FREE ENTRY

Completely free admission to Hall Garth Park and all parade viewing areas! Donations are welcomed to help fund the event.

📅

2027 Event Timings

Friday 16th July: 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Fireworks ~9:45 PM)
Saturday 17th July: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Parade @ 12:30 PM)
Sunday 18th July: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

🪙

Bring Physical Cash

Volunteer bucket collectors line the parade route and park entrances. Every donation goes directly toward funding next year's carnival!

🐾

Dog Friendly

Dogs are welcome throughout Hall Garth Park provided they are kept on a lead, though crowds during the Saturday parade can be loud.

---

♿

Terrain & Accessibility

Hall Garth Park features tarmac footpaths, though arena displays and trade stalls sit on open grass lawns that can soften in wet weather.

Getting There 🗺️

📍 Event Ground:

Hall Garth Park, Cinema Street / Market Place, Hornsea, East Yorkshire, HU18 1PA

---

🚗 By Car & Parking

Hornsea is accessed via the A1035 or B1242. Central car parks (such as Cinema Street and Morrow Avenue) fill early. Visitors are advised to arrive ahead of the 12:00 PM Saturday road closures to avoid parade traffic delays.

🚌 By Public Transport

Direct East Yorkshire Bus 240 / 246 services connect Hornsea directly with Beverley and Hull interchange. Buses drop passengers right in Market Place, a 2-minute walk from Hall Garth Park.