One of our favourite events of the year, the Whitley Bay Carnival, is back for it's 12th year on 24th May 2025, and we can't wait.
At the heart of the carnival is the 2,000 strong parade, a homemade extravaganza of costumes and parade pieces. Led by professional artists, local people will work in carnival clubs on the creation of costumes, music, dance and parade structures.
The theme for 2025 is Journeys, and the carnival parade will perform through gathering crowds, starting from Whitley Bay metro station, down the Park View shopping street, and down to the seafront for a celebratory weekend of stages and marquees at the Spanish City Plaza and Links.
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Carnival Parade Schedule
The carnival starts at 11am from Whitley Bay Metro Station and travels to The Links at Spanish City via Station Road, Whitley Road, Park View and Marine Avenue.
It features costumed promenaders and giant structures from 16 schools and groups, with live music from Spanish City Rollers, Drumdin and Storytellers.
The free event is for everyone from babes in arms to our most elderly elders, it’s all about joy, family, togetherness and fun. The event costs a lot to make happen and this year sees a gaping hole in the budget so we want to do what we can to support this year. We’re donating 10% of the day’s sales on Friday, 9th May, to event organisers Salto Arts Productions.
Salto Arts
Salto Arts Productions is set up to carry out creative projects with communities primarily in the North East of England. Their focus is carnival, particularly Whitley Bay's annual event in May each year. Salto Arts work with artists from throughout the region, the rest of the UK and abroad. They aim to make it meaningful, working with people to develop projects that celebrate them and their communities.
Shop with Bellwoods Lifestyle Store in our Whitley Bay shop, or with us online, on 9th May and help us to support our community. Alternatively, you can make your own donation through the Whitley Bay Carnival Crowdfunder. And remember to put the May Carnival dates in your diary!