Basildon and Pitsea Carnival set to return today

The Basildon and Pitsea Carnival, taking place on Saturday, will see families enjoy more than 85 stalls, live entertainment and a range of food trucks in Northlands Park.

Community - Previous carnivals have seen thousands raised for south Essex charities (Image: Gaz de Vere) Organiser Stuart Terson believes the carnival to be an important tradition in a fast-changing world and hopes that to see hundreds turn out for the parade and park festival.

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“The carnival has been going on for many years and we’re lucky that we’ve still got one when so many across the country have folded in recent years,” he said.

“So much has changed in the world, even since I was a child, and I think it’s important that we keep this tradition alive.

“Southend has sadly lost its carnival, and I know from speaking to people there that it is still very missed.”

Saturday’s carnival will involve a festival at Pitsea’s Northlands Park, held between 11.30am and 5pm, and featuring live entertainment, stalls from community organisations and a funfair.

Royalty - This years court features queen Amy and princesses Alicia and Katelin (Image: Stuart Terson) Residents have also been encouraged to line the streets for the parade, which will see a number of lorries, tractors and floats travel from De La Salle School to Northlands Park from midday.  

Stuart said: “We’ll also have a range of food stalls in the park this year, including sushi, Caribbean and Indian cuisine.

“We’ve really tried to spice things up this year and expand beyond the usual hot dogs and burgers.”

For the passionate organiser, who has been involved with Basildon and Pitsea Carnival for 27 years, the event is a rewarding culmination of months of hard work.

“It’s about putting a smile on people’s faces and bringing the community together,” he said.

“This is an area that doesn’t have an awful lot of money, and the carnival can be an affordable day out that offers something for the whole family.

Culture - The carnival is a showcase of community in Basildon and Pitsea (Image: Gaz de Vere) “Even if you don’t want to spend on the food stalls, you’re welcome to bring a picnic and just enjoy the nice weather.”

You can find all the details about the Basildon and Pitsea Carnival, including the parade route, at basildoncarnival.wordpress.com