Chairperson
Aurelia is a professional Therapist who loves to take minutes in her spare time!
Vice Chairperson
Events
Rick has been tasked with putting on the benefit gigs and is the man inside Sam the Giant
Media/IT
Photographer/Film-maker and proud supporter of the carnival
Treasurer
Sales Director in Software. Came to Whitstable for a weekend 8 or 9 years ago and loved it. Proud to call it home.
Secretary
Journalist, writer, social activist, and long time supporter of the Carnival
Events
I have been involved with the Whitstable Carnival team since 2019 when I was the Chair. My other community involvement is with Stream Walk Community Garden and I was previously the proprietor of the wholefood /gift shop Herbaceous in Oxford Street.
Lets' make this years' carnival amazing .....Just call me Captain Cardboard!!
Fund Raising
I moved to Whitstable in 2021 to settle by the sea, ready for when I retire. I was born by the sea, so this feels like a return to my roots. It was the perfect move for me as I love the feel of Whitstable with its quirkiness and friendly residents, not least the location, allowing me to take full advantage of the many amazing
Fund Raising
I moved to Whitstable in 2021 to settle by the sea, ready for when I retire. I was born by the sea, so this feels like a return to my roots. It was the perfect move for me as I love the feel of Whitstable with its quirkiness and friendly residents, not least the location, allowing me to take full advantage of the many amazing coastal walks and fulfilling one of my passions.
I have had a varied career to date, and worked in Cambridge, Nottingham and London in the UK, and Overseas in Greece and Fiji spending many years working for the charitable sector in project development, Fundraising, and marketing. My biggest achievement was organising and managing the National Awareness Week and Fundraising Drive in Fiji whilst working as a volunteer for the Fiji Disabled Peoples Association. I have recently completed 10 years as a children’s Social Worker in London and will continue to share my skills in a local capacity. Now that I am turning my eyes to Whitstable, I look forward to being able to contribute to making the Carnival the best it can be!
Social media
I'm Joanna Hinson, I'm originally from Greenwich but now Live in Whitstable and work at a Primary School in Chartham. I am a Forest School Leader and have worked in education for over 30 years. I paint and create art regularly, love living by the coast, and try to manage the Social Media for Whitstable Carnival with varying degrees of success!
Public Relations/Marketing
I am originally from South Africa but have called the UK home for 21 years and now lives in Whitstable , and she adores it. She works as a Commercial Director in her day to day role and has a passion for all things sales and marketing. In her spare time, she loves reading, music, and all things outdoors. I hope
Public Relations/Marketing
I am originally from South Africa but have called the UK home for 21 years and now lives in Whitstable , and she adores it. She works as a Commercial Director in her day to day role and has a passion for all things sales and marketing. In her spare time, she loves reading, music, and all things outdoors. I hope to support the committee with marketing efforts, and genuinely wants to support the local community which has shown her so much love.
General Committee
Long time lover of Whitstable so happy to give some of the fun times back
Whitstable Carnival: It Doesn’t Happen by Magic!
By 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.
For their wonderful creatures: http://totalpap.co.uk/
For the Whitstable Team Ministry for the blessings https://www.facebook.com/groups/285356959099842/
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