Husband, father, actor, model, voice artist, drummer, beard wearer, Greg Draven, who can be seen and heard at rehearsals at St. Wilfrid’s Hall in Pevensey Bay drumming up a storm with the fabulous charity fund raisers, the Pentacle Drummers on a Thursday night, has raised an interesting question. Is it time that Eastbourne Carnival turned the corner into the 21st century? Then his campaign went viral as people realised that perhaps there is more to the issue, as he suggests, than meets the beard.—Bay Life, 30 May 2016
Greg Draven
20 May 2016
It all started as a bit of fun – I didn’t see an Eastbourne Sunshine Carnival King position, so thought I’d apply for Carnival Queen instead. I didn’t expect the campaign to go viral and take off the way it has. I’m humbled and overjoyed at the support I have been shown.
Thank you all.
On reflection this campaign is a lot deeper than it appears.
A contest that seems to be based on looks has no place in 21st century Eastbourne.
While it is a traditional role, tradition isn’t always a good thing and a change is as good as a rest.
What are we teaching our children by having such contests? That it’s OK to judge someone on their looks rather than their worth?
This is not about me winning the position but offering an alternative viewpoint in a fun way.
I believe the role of Carnival King/Queen is outdated and archaic.
My alternative idea is to have the Carnival Ambassador (working title) instead. This would be open to anyone – all ages and all genders. The winner/winners should be someone who deserves to be treated like royalty for a day and represent what the carnival represents, the best Eastbourne has to offer.
