History of Portishead Carnival

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We know it’s at least 100 years old…

but when was the very first one?

Where was it held? Who held it? 

If you can help us in anyway please do contact us 

***This page will be added to as new information is submitted or discovered 

The first article listed here is as far back as we can go, from this a conclusion can be met, the very first one was held in 1902, making Portishead Carnival currently 121 years old 

This article mentions the third annual carnival, going from this information this would mean the very first one was held in 1902!

Source: The Western Daily Press Saturday 12th November 1904

Flowershow & Carnival mentioned in the Western Daily Press 2nd October 1909

A little birdy told us that the carnival was once in connection to the Raft Race
Western Daily Press, 1st September 1910

The earliest date currently known is 1914! 

The carnival and the flower show was held on the 8th August 1914 by Portishead Horticultural Society 

That information alone will make Portishead Carnival currently 109 years old! 

Our huge thanks goes to Linda Hodgetts from Portishead Summer Show for sharing this information from the horticultural archives

The article reads in part 

‘the show has been in abeysnon since 1914, and probably many of those present in the show held looking over the sea, again lent by Mr A. T. Wilmott, retained memories of that August day of 1914 when war clouds were hanging over us and the future was blank’ 

• WW1 started 28/07/14 and ended 11/11/18 

Stewards standing in front the carousel 🎠 1919

        ~ Portishead Horticultural Society Archives 

Please submit your photos or clippings from this time period to admin@possetevents.com

Doreen Winsor Carnival Queen at the opening of the Flower Show in 1930 

Source: Olly Dixey with many many thanks 

Was Doreen the first Carnival Queen?

The Bessant Family Snow White themed float using Bristol Roads Brickworks lorry 1948 

Photo Source: Mike Turner, with thanks 

This newspaper clipping (presumably published in 1973) lists the carnival Queens from 1948-1973

Source: Wendy Watkins, with many many thanks 

1948 Iris Evans 

1949 Joyce Wilco.
1950 Doreen Shearer 

1953 Valerie Hayman 

1954 Pamela Nisbett 

1955 Myra Westerman 

1971 Isobel Crees

1972 Rosalyn Adams

1973 Maria Rowley