By Lizzie Bradley
Carnival organisers have revealed hopes to secure the Red Arrows to perform a display to mark the 200th anniversary of the town’s event next year.
But bosses behind the Deal Carnival say the extra cost to bring the RAF’s aerobatic team as well as other celebrations could top £20,000.
The team are looking for ways to help fund the additional money needed and are calling on businesses, volunteers and the community to help raise the cash to celebrate the occasion.
And organisers say the special year’s festivities could mean the full event would cost in the region of £50,000 to put on.
This year’s carnival took place across the town last week with a host of performances, fireworks, music, races and the traditional float parade through Deal and Walmer.
Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown Carnival & Regatta Association committee member John Trickey said “every day was the best ever” during the week-long 2025 programme, which ran from July 26 to August 2.
Highlights included the 10km run on Sunday, July 27 which was due to be followed by a sea swim, that unfortunately was cancelled due to water pollution concerns.
However, Mr Trickey said the raft race went ahead successfully after.
The week also held the traditional Regatta court competitions, with Daisy Gillespie crowned as Regatta Queen; Alannah Cartwright winning Deputy Queen, and Harmony Hook as Junior Queen.
The committee is already turning its attention to the landmark 200th anniversary next year.
The team plans to meet in September to discuss what will be included in the 2026 programme.
Mr Trickey says he plans to include “everything that has been before” and more.
But he revealed aspirations to welcome the Red Arrows to perform their aerobatic display to honour the anniversary, the Royal Marines to commemorate the force’s link to the town and music headliners.
“When we had the Royal Marines before we had to pay them £13,000 to come,” said Mr Trickey.
“But because it’s their 30th anniversary of leaving Deal and it’s our 200th anniversary, they may not charge us anything, so it’s difficult to say.
“Also, the Red Arrows do one charity fly past a year, so we might qualify for that.
“But if they don’t, then I think they’re about £15,000, which if we haven’t got the money for, we will go for a £6,000 Battle of Britain fly past.”
He added the events would hinge on people in the community coming forward to help with fundraising for next year’s events and volunteers for support.
Mr Trickey said: “We are going to have to raise another £20,000, we think, to get all the things we want and maybe to get a named band for Party on the Prom.
“Kent, Dover district and obviously the towns of Walmer and Deal are going to make it huge.
“We have the logistics. We can do whatever. Give me the money and we can do it.”
The town’s carnival was established in 1826 after the closure of the naval dockyard, intending to lift spirits.
The Deal and Downs Regatta, as it was initially known, was filled with colourful waterborne events that attracted locals and visitors alike, bringing a much-needed boost to the town.
Over the years the event has evolved to become a wider celebration of the town with floats, costumes, music and other events spreading onto land as well as the sea.
Carnival day, the crowning event during the week on Thursday evening, sees dozens of clubs, charities and organisations from Deal, Walmer and across Kent come together for the traditional parade.
Also among those this year were the Carnival court queens from Lydd, Ramsgate, Dover, Faversham and Sheppey and sports clubs such as Deal Tri, Deal Rangers Football Club, Betteshanger Football Club and Future Performing Arts.
Many floats promoted important messages to the throngs of people gathered along the seafront from Walmer Green into Deal.
East Kent Climate Action pulled a huge whale made of plastic carrying the message: “To end plastic pollution, stop making plastic.”
Former miners representing the various coal mining communities across the east Kent pits also paraded their welfare banners.
Croydon Steel Orchestra brought music and fun on steel drums, covering popular tracks as they made their way along the route.
For more information and to donate or volunteer visit: dealcarnival.uk
More pictures in this week’s East Kent Mercury – in shops now.
