April 4, 2025
One of Harwich’s biggest events has received a major boost after receiving funding for the next three years!
We are delighted to announce that Galloper have sponsored the Harwich Guy Carnival for the next three years up to 2027. This support will allow the lead organisers of the carnival; the Harwich and Dovercourt Rotary Club, to allocate all the monies raised to good causes, as the costs of putting on the Carnival will now be covered. It will also allow Rotary Club and other friends of the Guy Carnival to plan for the future, with more certainty and continue to strengthen this unique and treasured event. Rotary club spokesman Steve Wilson said: “The key thing is that the cost of putting on the carnival is going up each year with inflation and that came out of the money being raised. Now we are position that all the money goes to good causes and the fact that it is a three-year deal gives us more security.”
The Harwich Guy Carnival pokes fun at topical issues in a tradition known as ‘guying’, with revellers wearing ‘big heads’ which mock public figures. The tradition dates back more than 170 years, created by the shipwrights’ unions, with workers satirically mocking the shipyard bosses, local institutions and well-known persons. The parade has developed over the years to what it is now and raises funds for local causes.
Conor Nicholson, Business and Stakeholder Coordinator for Galloper Wind Farm, said, “For many of the Galloper team, the Guy Carnival is a highlight on their calendar; it’s a great event, showcasing the unique character of Harwich and the team is proud to be supporting it. We look forward to this year’s, and future Guy Carnivals continuing to deliver an exciting, colourful, and witty event”
Rotary Club president John Wade added: “This is the first major sponsorship in the event’s very long history. Applications to participate in this year’s Guy Carnival will open very shortly and we are confident there will be a high turnout building on last year’s success. Now, with Gallopers’ generous support, we aim to deliver something very special.”