Town's carnival to return for better than ever event
Wallingford Carnival will take place on Saturday, June 21 to bring summer cheer and community spirit to the historic town centre.
Dating back as far as 1929, the carnival is firmly set in the community calendar with organisers believing the event in its modern form has been going on for more than 60 years.
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This year, the theme is 'summer solstice' to take place as is tradition on the third Saturday in June.
Last year's Wallingford Carnival saw a huge turnout in a day of excitement for the town (Image: Ed Nix) Katherine Keats-Rohan, South Oxfordshire district councillor for Wallingford, said: "This is the town's longest running event and brings everyone together, young and old, in colourful and creative displays.
"Wallingford has a great sense of community and events like this celebrate and reinforce that, whilst welcoming newcomers and visitors as well.
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"What will this year's Summer Solstice display bring? I can't wait to find out."
The event will include stalls, music and entertainment on the Kinecroft throughout the day starting from 10am, brought together with a spectacular carnival procession at 1pm.
Dancers put on a dazzling display at last year's celebration (Image: Ed Nix) It will also feature music, dance, funfair activities, as well as street food and a bar.
Stall pitches are already full with weeks to go before the big day, and schools, community groups, businesses and individuals are being invited to create a float to participate in the parade.
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Floats can be made for walking, cycling or vehicles, and as big or small as the entrant likes with everyone participating for free.
Last year, floats included everything from tractors and trailers to children's walking groups, and even a donkey pulling a cart.
The colourful affair is sponsored by Paul Simmonds, a removals company serving the community since 1973, New Home Improvement Group, and Ask4Support Ltd, an IT company in the town.
A spokesperson for Ask4Support said: "Summer is coming and so is the Wallingford Carnival. This year the theme is 'summer solstice' and we are excited to be sponsoring this amazing event.
"Expect live entertainment on the Kinecroft all day, plus lots of stalls and plenty of food and drink carts to enjoy.
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"Then there will be the spectacular carnival procession at 1pm. Save the date."
Businesses have been invited to join the carnival by decorating their windows on theme and enter a competition, with a prize for the best creation.
The carnival is funded by income from its stalls, generous sponsors and small community grants, and put together every year by a small committee of volunteers to create a "spectacular community event."
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