Lyme Regis Carnival Week 2026 has raised more than £26,000 for local good causes, smashing last year’s record total of £21,200.
Following a spectacular firework display on 31 July, the week got underway with the Torchlight Procession. Hundreds of torchbearers made their way through Langmoor and Lister Gardens before heading down to the beach, where a giant ring of fire was formed.
A packed programme of family-friendly events followed throughout the week, including bingo, welly wanging, egg catching, a dog show, duck race, beach treasure hunt, sandcastle competition, junior town crier competition, beat the goalie, pavement art, a wacky wheelbarrow race , Candles Down the River and culminating in the Carnival Procession.
Chairman of the Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival team, Alan Vian, said:
“The week was a massive success and it was wonderful to see so many local people and visitors enjoying Carnival Week events. The atmosphere in town for the procession was amazing and it was great to see so many local organisations taking part.
“I would like to say a big thank you to all who provided assistance and to the wonderful volunteers who came along to help. Without volunteers, Carnival Week would not happen.”
Organiser Rob James said the team was delighted to have exceeded last year’s fundraising total, with the money raised to be distributed among local good causes.
“The support from local businesses was phenomenal. I’d like to thank our primary sponsors — Dorset and Devon Holiday Cottages, Lyme Bay Holidays and Toad Hall Cottages — as well as all the local businesses that contributed financially.”
These included Alexandra Hotel, Baboo, Deli Weli, Eat at Millside, Harbour Inn, Harry May, Hook Farm, Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium, Lyme Regis Stays, Lyme Rib Rides, Lyme’s Fish Bar, Milly’s, Poco Pizza, Red Panda, Rock Point Inn, Rockfish, Royal Standard, Strawberry Tree, The Bagel Shop, The Cobb Arms, The Royal Lion, The Slipway, The Town Mill, Tom’s, Town Mill Bakery, Trinity Hill Hideaway and Westwood.
The team also thanked businesses that donated prizes for the bingo and raffles.
“Special thanks to Lyme Regis Town Council for their significant financial contribution towards the fireworks and to the owners of St Andrews Meadow, who kindly allowed us to use the field for event parking.”
The Lyme Regis Carnival Week Team 2026 comprised Alan Vian (Chairman), Rob James, Karen Skardon James, Annette Denning, Gilly Clark, Jacob Denning, Joshua Denning, AJ Hutchings, Lynnette Ravenscroft, JJ Ellis, Noah Moses Turner and Mark Lester.
The core team were assisted by Steve Parsons, Tom Eaton, Joey Thirlwell, Linda White & Sue, Nikki and Jack Kerss, as well as volunteers who helped with events, manned the kiosk, held collection buckets or assisted with road closures.
Carnival Week 2027 will take place from Friday 30 July to Saturday 7 August 2027.
