A look at carnivals in Cumbria in years gone by

Not many people realise that England has some of the largest annual carnivals in the world.

Notting Hill in London is thought to be one of the largest carnivals in Europe, if not the world. And Bridgewater Carnival in Somerset is the largest illuminated carnival in Europe.

It is thought that these types of events do pre date the Christian era, however, modern carnivals come from a Roman Catholic background. It is also thought that some Eastern Orthodox traditions have played a role in the theme of some modern carnivals.

Most of Catholic Europe and South America still has a strong carnival tradition, and the best known of all is held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as a holiday during the Christian fast of Lent.

Carnivals have sometimes evolved from fairs, but more often from religious events such as Saint’s Day celebrations, Parish Feasts, Wakes and Whitsuntide processions, and also pagan celebrations such as May Day.

Some emerged from anti-Catholic Guy Fawkes celebrations and others from miner’s Galas. Modern carnivals started in their present form late nineteenth century, but most date from the twentieth, with the hey-day of the carnival being in the years immediately following the Second World War.

Carnival in England has been enlivened over the last forty or so years by the Caribbean influence, and West-Indian style carnivals.

In London, some boroughs still hold summer carnivals, usually involving street parades of floats and individuals in fancy dress costumes, and similar events take place in cities, towns, villages and hamlets throughout England.

These photos show carnivals across Cumbria over the years, we hope that these pictures help to bring back some fond memories for some of you.