Carnival Report
HAYLING CARNIVAL - DEAD OR ALIVE?
The well publicised meeting to discuss the future of our Carnival in the Community Centre was attended by many
but, unfortunately, not all facets of our community.
Our Carnival Co-ordinator, Lion Marilyn Skennerton gave a brief history of the event, highlighting the fact that over
the past few years Health and Safety regulations had increased in complexity whilst entries to the Float Procession
had noticeably decreased. Throughout its history the format and date of the Carnival had been changed to recognise
current situations.
It was important to note that the Hayling Carnival remains under the terms of the original constitution which was read
to the meeting. Any party organising Hayling Carnival must operate under these terms which include all profit being
given to needs in our island especially where children are concerned.
This situation is again before us! The Hayling Island Lions Club, which undertook to organise the Carnival 13 years
ago, no longer feels that it has the resource to continue Carnival without some change and probably assistance.
The open meeting had been called to attempt to gauge the islander's response and wishes.
Should Carnival Continue? The overwhelming response of the meeting was YES. The Carnival has been part of our
island for 58 years and the majority of islanders wish it to continue was the thought.
Carnival Procession
This subject had some commonality and some changes suggested. Almost all felt that the Processions of the past were
fantastic but realised that they were unlikely to be repeated largely on cost and effort basis. Marching bands which were
the norm are now rare and costly; Floats and decoration take time and money. Yet at the same time there was agreement
that a good procession gave pleasure to many.
Suggestions were made to shorten the procession perhaps finishing on the Carnival field.
It was suggested that we encourage non float participation more (Walkers, cycles etc) although it was reported that last
year after 100 letters on the subject were sent, we had not one extra entry.
The Date may be changed and whereas we have considered holding Carnival earlier, it was thought we may perhaps
consider the last half of September.
The question "Should we have a Procession at all " was raised. There were mixed feelings but all agreed that if it was
good and it was worthwhile. This is not in the control of the organisers! It was recommended that in this report a
questionnaire to be included which will also be on the Hayling Lions website.
click here to complete the Questionnaire
Carnival Field
All else being equal the majority favoured holding Carnival on the Seafront realising that the income to the island was
necessarily lower with free entrance on the Seafront.
A suggestion to give the rosettes and awards after the procession arrives at its final destination was made with
arguments for and against.
Conclusions
A major consideration is "Do we have a procession as part of Carnival or not". It creates a major part of the work
effort and has had decreasing support from entrants. We still need more input from islanders to determine the decision.
If we do not have a Procession could we still have a Festival Day for the Island? The answer given was YES but the form as yet undecided.
Some suggestions included a Drag Queen Race, or a series of exhibits operated by various groups on the island spread all the way
along the Seafront. The logistics of the latter was not discussed. It was suggested that we should give more effort in publicising our
willingness to receive donations toward the expenses involved in creating a Hayling Carnival.
