Brighton Carnival  History

The Carnival Procession

 

The Procession was one of the main attractions during the 1923 Brighton Carnival, drawing large crowds. Many local companies created their own floats (as seen from the photographs below) which helped to draw together the tourist industry with other businesses in the town. The floats were entered into a competition for best decorated trade float.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3a: Brighton department store Leeson & Vokins float with staff, 1923.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3b: Smithers Brewers float, Kings Road, 1923.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3c: Smithers Brewers float with giant bottle of ale, Madeira Drive, 1923.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3d: Needhams Outfitters store, who won second prize.

 

 

One of the most important figures during the procession was 'King Carnival.' This metaphorical effigy represented the spirit of the carnival. The 1923 Programme describes the 'Entry of King Carnival' as the event which signalled the start of the Brighton Carnival. On the last day, he was transported back down Madeira Drive during 'Farewell King Carnival.'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3e: Crowds watching 'King Carnival' proceed along Madeira Drive. Photograph by Philip Garner.

 

 

 

"Brightening of Brighton"

 

This newsreel from British Pathe shows the procession on the seafront arches at Madeira Drive. The figure of 'King Carnival' is seen on top of one of the floats, followed by several ships, an Egyptian Pharaoh, and the character of John Bull. In the crowd people are dancing and enjoying the marching band music.

 

 

You can view this video on the British Pathe website.

Click on the link to see the video:

 

http://www.britishpathe.com/video/brightening-of-brighton/query/Brighton

 

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Image References:

3a: “Leeson and Vokins staff on float for Brighton Carnival 1923.” Photograph, 1923. Design Archives Photostream. www.flickr.com.

3b: “The festive scene on the Kings Road, opposite Kings Hotel, during the procession of decorated cars and floats in the Brighton Carnival of June 1923.” Postcard, 1923. The James Gray Collection, The Regency Society. Image Ref: JG_06_067.tif. http://regencysociety-jamesgray.com.

3c: “Decorated float of Smithers Brewery standing on Madeira Drive prior to the competitive procession during the Brighton Carnival 1923.” Monochrome print, 1923. The James Gray Collection, The Regency Society. Image Ref: JG_06_096.tif. http://regencysociety-jamesgray.com.

3d: “Lewes Crescent at the time of Brighton Carnival, 1923. The float was the entry of Needhams, Castle Square, which took second prize in the decorated trade vehicles.” Postcard, 1923. The James Gray Collection, The Regency Society. Image Ref: JG_06_026.tif. http://regencysociety-jamesgray.com.

3e: “Procession of decorated floats and commercial vehicles headed west on Madeira Drive during the Brighton Carnival, 1923.” Copyright Philip Garner. The James Gray Collection, The Regency Society. Image Ref: JG_05_159.tif. http://regencysociety-jamesgray.com.