Off to the Carnival One Hundred Years Ago

Posted on Saturday, 18th February 2023 by Janine Rizzetti

Recognize this scene? It’s a Fancy Dress Procession in Burgundy Street, turning from Studley Road to go under the railway bridge, on the way to the Heidelberg State School Carnival at Heidelberg Park on February 24, 1923.

The fete was to raise money for Heidelberg State School (now Heidelberg Primary School) which in early 1923 was having additions to the earlier 1878 building (some walls of which still stand).

The organizing committee for the carnival found themselves in the middle of controversy when they included some horse races in the program, which raised fears that “abominable” bookmakers might attend. In the end, it was decided that bookmakers would not be allowed to operate, and the fete went ahead with side shows, stalls, a merry-go-round, and dancing and jazz at night.

Photo: The Australasian, Sat 3rd March 1923, p.57 via Trove