How to Enter

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Notes

• The 2010 parade is limited to 60 vehicles and entries will be taken on a first come first served basis
• No limit applies to the number of pedestrian entrants that can take part
• Majorette groups will be restricted to 10 Troupes (see below)

FAQs

Who can take part in the Southend Carnival?

The simple answer is everybody. We accept entries from large floats, through to groups in costumes, down to individuals, in fancy dress.

Can Children take part in the procession? 

Yes, however an adult must accompany individual children under 16. For group entries from a recognised organisation, e.g. a Youth Club, a sensible ratio of adults to children must be applied.

Can we collect money for our own charity?

No, all the monies collected on the Carnival route will be passed onto Southend‑on‑Sea based charities by the Carnival Association.

Do the Association have to agree the design of the entry?

No, design of your entry is your responsibility.

If this is your first attempt, do not try to take on too much or too large an entry.

If you intend to use a lorry then remember that it is unlikely that it will be available until the morning of the procession and therefore your float will need to be partly built before the procession day.

In the last few years some of the best entries have been from large costumed entries, with a decorated van or car pulling a trailer as the centrepiece.

As the procession takes place in the evening you must consider how you are going illuminate your entry.

The pier bridge has now been raised to 16ft (5m). All entries must be able to pass under this bridge without holding up the procession.

Does the Association supply a vehicle?

No, responsibility for finding the vehicle remains with the entrant.

The number of Lorries available for hire or loan in the local area is very limited and unless you have a personal contact with a company you may find it difficult to find this type of vehicle.

You can still build an interesting entry out of a transit van or a car pulling a boat trailer or a large costume entry.

Before you will be able to take part in the procession, we will need to see the insurance of the vehicle you intend to use.

Do you need help with making your costumes for the parade?

In the 3 months before the procession we will holding Carnival Arts taster sessions – watch our website for details

Does the association pay any expenses?

No, all costs of taking part in the Carnival are the responsibility of the entrants.

Are entries to the procession judged?

All entries are eligible to judged within the classes set-out in the Entry Pack. A number of changes are being introduced in 2009 to the way the major cups are awarded. This includes the introduction of judging along the procession route for the following trophies:

Best float in the Procession

Best youth Group Float in the Procession

The best float that is not sponsored in the Non-Trading category

Best Majorette Troupe

Can we have permission to sell light sticks, whistles etc along the procession route?

Send details to Southend  Carnival Association by using the Procession Enquiries link on the Contacts page of this website or in writing to Southend Carnival, 118 Fleming Avenue, Leigh‑on‑Sea, Essex SS9 3AX

What happens if more than 10 majorette troupes apply to take part in this year’s procession?

Priority will be given to Majorette entries from the South East Essex area. Majorette groups from outside this area will be notified if they have been allocated a space by 1^st July 2010

Still have some questions or queries?

Members of the Association, with experience of putting together entries are happy to visit you or your organisation and discuss any questions you may have. This is best done when you have a design in mind. 

Please use the Procession Enquires link on the contact page by clicking Here