The Mayor of Ramsgate at Ramsgate Carnival: 100 years, 1923-2023

A hundred years of the Ramsgate Carnival was marked this year with a carnival full of a wonderful spirit of enjoyment, even during several showers then a spot of more persistent rain.

I was offered the choice of a seat on the Harbour Master’s milk float, suitably decorated with loudspeakers on the back, but I declined. I was also offered a seat on the Miss Ramsgate float but this was their carnival - their day, not the Mayor’s - so I also declined that kind invitation too.

I was asked to be at the start and line up of the parade for 2pm. I was there on time and was joined by the Town Sergeant. I had certificates to give to three of the most appealing floats, so proceeded up and down the display.

The first certificate was given to Screaming Alley, a float full of colour and activity, with lots of laughs heard from all over the float. Walking further down, we found a float with a town name I was not familiar with Witham. We spoke to the three younger girls who were on the float and when I asked where Witham was, I was amazed to find they had come from Essex. One of the chaperones was pleased to be given the second certificate on behalf of all of them. This was the first carnival that they had appeared in, and to come so far for Ramsgate’s Carnival deserved a certificate. No doubt we will see them again. The third certificate was given for a highly decorated float with the Queen and Princesses looking very colourful and flowery.

At 4pm, I cut the ribbon to start the carnival off and was taken down to stand at the Travelodge hotel on Royal Parade to wave as they passed.

The rain had started again by then. A lot of people with children were stood outside the Travelodge and the staff were very kind by letting people stand out of the rain under the canopy and on the steps.

As the procession wound down the hill I, with others, stood out in the rain to cheer the floats as they came past. It was a magnificent sight to see, walkers and floats interspersed with Marshalls all cheerful and waving with big smiles all round. The float I gave the third place to the Queen and Princesses - gave me a crossed arms bow. I was so pleased for them! I gave them a two-handed wave and blew kisses.

You could get carried away by the good feelings washing over the audience outside the Travelodge, despite being dripping wet! I had an hour and a quarter to get home, have something to eat and get changed for the evening event held at 7pm at the Manston Social Club for the Queens and their Courts to be awarded more cups and certificates. It was very moving in some cases, as volunteers who have helped Ramsgate Queens and Princesses over the years stepped up to be congratulated and given awards for all they do for the carnival. With all honesty, top of the unsung heroes are Marion and her helpers who work so hard to look after Ramsgate Carnival ’s Queens, Princesses and Courts.

I arrived back home at 10:45pm and slept well.

Written by:
Councillor Pat Moore
Mayor of Ramsgate
Councillor for Newington Ward