Harwich Guy Carnival

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Harwich Guy Carnival

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The procession will start 6:30PM at Tollgate and proceed along the Main Road towards Harwich. MORE INFO Phone John Wade on 01255 610123 or 07779360182

The Guy Carnival is organised by Harwich Festival and held on the last Saturday of October and includes the unique "Bigheads" which have been part of the parade since 1956 There will be a short break by the football ground before continuing down to the finishing point in West Street, Harwich.

01/11/2026

It has been a busy day for the small carnival committee with moving bigheads back into storage, and the bucket counting taking place.
At the beginning of May there was not going to be a carnival but we made it happen.
All official thanks will be given in due course as will the publication of results and other information. Please bear with us.
But for now just a simple thank you to you all whether taking part, volunteering, watching and supporting and giving so generously to the collection. We couldn't do it without you!

30/10/2026

❗️❗️Key Information for Harwich Guy Carnival on Saturday 31st October.❗️❗️

The Big Head and Bucket shop at the back of Remax, entrance is in Bay Road will be open from 10.30am to 1pm for one final time on Saturday 31st Oct for anyone wanting a last minute big head or bucket. The weather is set fair for the evening so even more reason to get involved.

Buckets will also be available from the bucket van at the start of the procession.

The Main Road between the junction of Ainger Road and Oakley Road will be closed from 5.30pm except for participants who are taking part in the procession. All vehicular floats are kindly asked to enter the area from Oakley Road end.

Childrens Fancy dress will be on the adjacent green from 6pm. (All other judging will take place en route) and new this year is the Betty Holbrook Award for children watching in fancy dress. Look out for the judges!

The procession will start at 6.30pm and proceed along Main Road to Asda/ Harwich & Parkeston Football Club. The procession will stop here for approx 10-15 minutes before continuing through The High Street to its finish in West Street. (A rolling road block will be in place as the procession passes)

Prize giving will take place on conclusion of the carnival in West Street by Golden Lion Lane.(next to Shakers)

All monies raised goes to local good causes in the town.

We’re also looking for a few last-minute volunteer marshals (don’t worry, it doesn’t involve walking the whole carnival route!). If you can lend a hand, please email [email protected] or WhatsApp 07868 501661.

Or simply come along tomorrow evening, cheer everyone on and pop a donation into a collection bucket to support local charities.

Let’s make it a brilliant night for our community.

29/10/2026

BIG HEAD AND BUCKET SHOP!
Open again today 10.30 - 3.30.
Behind Remax estate agent on Bay RD

Some great options still available!
Borrowing a big head is completely free- come get involved in a bit of Harwich history!

28/10/2026

The Harwich Guy Carnival is drawing closer.

The Big Head and Bucket shop will be open
Thursday 29th and Friday 30th October from 10.30 to 3.30pm and Saturday 10.30 to 1pm

There are still plenty of heads to choose from and we would love to see as many as possible in the procession on Saturday on what is the 70th Anniversary of the Big Heads.

They are free to use for the procession and can be left with us at the end of the procession and there are several Big Head prizes to be won.

Weather is set fair for Saturday as well! Come along and see the friendly team in the shop and be part of what is long running local tradition.

27/10/2026

The Big Head and Bucket shop is open again today from 10.30am to 3.30pm at side entrance to Remax Property Services in Bay Road for people to come and choose big heads and collect buckets (children's buckets available) for Saturdays Guy Carnival. Coke along and see us and be part of this long running Harwich tradition.

25/10/2026

We are open for another hour!
Come get your big head - open till 3pm today!

25/10/2026

Big Head and Bucket shop OPEN TODAY 11-3
Just around the corner from REMAX on Bay RD in town.

Come see us to choose a traditional big head to wear in this years carnival!

24/10/2026

WE’RE OPEN!
Now the rain has stopped, come see us.
We are behind Remax on Bay Road
There’s lots of heads to choose from, many have been lovingly renovated this year and are as good as new! Open now till 3.30pm 😀

23/10/2026

OK we had an unwanted visitor today in Austen.
The weather outside may have been frightful,
But the expressions on these heads are delightful!

We go again tomorrow open from 10.30am to 3.30pm for buckets and Big heads to take part in this year's Guy Carnival.

All these heads and more need a buddy for the carnival on 31st October to help them celebrate their 70th Anniversary.

Look forward to seeing as many of you as possible over the weekend
Sat and Sun 10.30 to 3.30pm. Side entrance in Bay Road behind Remax Property Centre

Address

Harwich

Website

http://harwichguycarnival.co.uk/

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