About Us

The Bournemouth Carnival Band is a vibrant, multigenerational performance group known for its colourful costumes, high‑energy music, and comedy routines. Our members range from 10 to long‑standing veterans who’ve played since the beginning, over forty years ago. Together we’ve created a unique blend of music, marching, and light‑hearted chaos that audiences love.

Our performances combine drums, brass, bugles, bell‑lyres and woodwind to deliver everything from traditional military marches to pop, swing, jazz, disco and Latin styles. 

 Every musical arrangement, comedy moment, and marching routine is created by our own members, and our shows often feature props, visual gags, and the occasional theatrical “explosion” for good measure.

 Costumes & Characters

Although we’re best known for our iconic red‑and‑blue Spiderman outfits, the band has performed in a whole cast of characters over the years — from the “Funderbirds” to Ninja Turtles to Snowmen as well as  much-loved classic villains, our own Batmobile, and even a Punch & Judy set. Today, our superhero theme focuses on Spiderman with occasional appearances as Batman but we aim to be flexible to accommodate different events. New costume ideas are always in development, keeping our performances fresh and full of personality.

 

 

Where We’ve Performed

 Over the years, the Bournemouth Carnival Band has appeared at carnivals, fetes and major events across England, as well as touring Northern France and performing six times at Jersey’s prestigious Battle of Flowers. We’ve also taken part in the Lucerne Winter Carnival in Switzerland twice — becoming the first British band ever invited to the century‑old event.

 Other notable appearances include:

• Youth Band Festival at the Royal Albert Hall
• Mr Punch’s 325th & 350th birthday celebrations in Covent Garden
• London Christmas Parade
• London Taxi Drivers’ Charity Party for Under‑Privileged Children (22 appearances)
• Southwest Illuminated Carnivals, including Glastonbury, Bridgwater, Leyland, Launceston and Chard
• Multiple tours across France, including Valenciennes, Douai, Croix, Comines and Lille
• Seven visits to Guernsey for Liberation Day celebrations, including the Millennium event
• The Lord Mayor’s Show in London (2001 and 2008)
• Four return invitations to Valenciennes, most recently in 2014
• Fourteen consecutive years at the Old Gaffers Festival on the Isle of Wight

We’ve also enjoyed many memorable TV appearances over the years alongside well‑known personalities. One highlight was performing with Lulu on BBC’s Red Alert Christmas special, dressed head‑to‑toe as Santa Claus. In 2000, we produced our first full stage show, Musical Mayhem, which received excellent reviews.

Why We Do It

At our heart, we’re a charity band. Our main aim is to bring the joy of music to communities, and to support fundraising for worthy causes. We also champion youth music and community bands, encouraging musical learning and performance skills.

While we request an appearance fee for many events, we regularly perform free of charge for charitable causes to help maximise the funds raised. As a registered charity, our members volunteer their time — the reward is seeing audiences smile, laugh, and enjoy what we do. Rain or shine, we’re happiest when we’re out performing together.