Join in! Whitstable Carnival Association is Making a Difference
A message from Aurelia de Rocha, Chair of Whitstable Carnival
Whitstable Carnival doesn’t just “happen.” There’s no fairy godmother waving a wand, no magical seagulls swooping in to organise it. It’s the result of a small but mighty team of volunteers who pour their time, energy, and love into making it a highlight of the year. But here’s the thing—we need more hands on deck.
I’m Aurelia, the new Chair of Whitstable Carnival Association, and I’m here to ask for your help. The carnival isn’t just about floats and costumes—it’s about community. It’s a celebration of everything that makes Whitstable special, from our creativity to our sense of togetherness. But without volunteers, there’s no carnival.
Right now, our team is tiny. We’re talking about a handful of people juggling work, family, and life while trying to plan an event that thousands enjoy. We love what we do, but we can’t do it alone.
That’s where you come in.
We’re not asking for a huge commitment—just a couple of hours a week. Maybe you’re great at organising, social media, or painting banners. Perhaps you’d be happy marshalling on the day or helping with fundraising. Whatever your skills, there’s a role for you. And if you’re thinking, “But I’ve never done anything like this before!”—don’t worry. Most of us hadn’t either when we started.
Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time; it’s about gaining something too. You’ll meet new people, learn new skills, and experience the satisfaction of making a real difference. There’s nothing quite like seeing the joy on people’s faces when the parade rolls through town. And let’s be honest—there’s always tea, biscuits, and plenty of laughs along the way.
But the reality is: without enough volunteers, the carnival won’t happen. It’s that simple. Whitstable Carnival has been a cherished tradition for 128 years, and if we want to keep it going, we need more people to step up.
If you would like to get involved...
Come to one of our events, become a member, join one of our many committees, volunteer your time and help our community with the biggest party of the year! Want to be a part of the team delivering the best day in Whistable? Volunteer now and contribute as much or as little time as you can - every little bit helps!
We'd love to have you on board! Volunteer as little or as much as you want.
Contact us here - all welcome!
Our Ethos
The purpose of Carnival is to bring the community together and to raise funds for various local charities.
Carnival welcomes everyone and makes no distinctions based on class or race or age or sex. All you need to take part is a sense of fun. Carnival is play. It is frivolity. It is fantasy. It is a joyous expression of who we are as a community. It is an opportunity to show your wares, whether as a business or a charity or as a community organisation. It is about showing off.
Show us who you are. Tell us what you are proud of. Make yourselves known. Be as bold as you like. Be as silly as you like. Be funny. Be friendly. Be kind. Be generous. Be a part of your community.
Whitstable Carnival Association Board and Committee Members
Aurelia de Rocha
Chair
Aurelia is a professional Therapist who loves to take minutes in her spare time.
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Rick West
Vice Chairperson - Events
Rick has been tasked with putting on the benefit gigs and is the man inside Sam the Giant.
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Cindy Bryant
Committee Member - Fund Raising
Cindy moved to Whitstable in 2021 to settle by the sea. She has thrown her energy into raising funds.
Rodger Fincham
Designer and Maintenance Architect. Excited to be part of this year’s Carnival.
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Tanya Gibson
Committee Member
Have loved Whitstable and its communities for many years, so happy to help in putting back.
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Colin Gotts
Media/IT
Photographer/Filmmaker and proud supporter of the carnival.
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Mandy Hanscombe Hardy
Moved to the town a couple of years ago, Mandy worked with Capt Sam’s giant family near Ashford!
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Joanna Hinson
Committee Member
Now living in Whitstable, Joanna has worked in education for over 30 years. Joanna paints and creates art.
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Gary Hunter
Employed in the tourism industry for many years, in 2000 he joined one of Kent’s major tourist attractions.
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Lesinda Leightley
I joined Carnival because I love community and tradition. Every person I’ve met here has just been amazing, and if I can work with them, for them, it’s an absolute win.
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Belinda Murray
Events
A long time Carnival supporter and ex-Chairperson, now helping with creative workshops and a general stalwart of the committee.
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Paul Rooke
Treasurer
Recently retired and excited to be associated with my 4th Whitstable Carnival.
