The carnival is coming to town! The theme is ‘Heroes’, whether be it superheroes, war heroes, rescue services or just all round good eggs! The only rule is to have fun on Saturday 20 June.

The Carnival will begin at 12 noon, with the Parade setting off from Milton Road and then moving through the market place up North Street to finish at the Rugby Fields. A huge variety of groups have been invited to participate: community groups, businesses, clubs, sports teams, pubs, individuals, bands and vehicles. There’s still room for new entries and anyone can register to join.

From 1.30pm the action takes place at the Events Arena on the playing fields. Stalls will be run by local organisations and businesses and a two hour programme is planned to include a Tug of War, A World Record Attempt, Majorettes, Magicians and Street Performers, Display Teams, Local Performers and Emergency Services Demonstrations. Additionally, a five km fun run is being organised by The Peterborough Area Combined Triathlon Club, starting and finishing at the Rugby Club.

The highlight of the afternoon will surely be a low level fly past at 200 feet of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which includes a Lancaster Bomber, Hurricane and a Spitfire, as well as a display of low flying RAF Red Arrows. The world renown display team will fly down and go as low and slow as possible over the afternoon events site at the Rugby Club.

From 4.30pm to 6.30pm there will be a stage set up for local bands to perform in mini sessions that may take on a Battle of the Bands edge.

As the sun sets from 8.00pm the evening concert will begin, featuring an eclectic mix of musical entertainment. Concert goers will be invited to bring their own picnic, or to take advantage of the food stalls, BBQ and full bar operating from the Rugby Club.

The Carnival will be presided over by the Carnival Queen and Consort, Emily Mildren 18, and Felix Clarke 18. Both were chosen by all the students in Year 12 and 13 at Prince William School, which totals about 282 students. The selection process took place over a couple of weeks and the students were nominated by their peers.

Planning for the day began back in 2007 by the Oundle and District Association of Trade & Commerce and now involves most local schools, groups and clubs. The organising team includes Philip Amps, Justin Jeffery, Mark Potter, the Rugby Club, Alan Smith, July Buck and the Primary School Head Teacher Janet McMurdo, has put a great deal of work into the Carnival with development taking 18 months.

Many companies and other organizations have also contributed towards ensuring that the carnival will be a success. The Welland Market Towns Group have generously pledged almost £15,000 towards purchasing capital items that should ensure that the Oundle Carnival has the basic infrastructure and kit to run as a long term event for the town. The Oundle Town Council have also contributed £500. However, the carnival is still looking for sponsorship to make it the best event it possibly can be.

Proceeds from the Carnival will be split between the two chosen charities, Help for Heroes and The Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

David Willis remembers the last Oundle Carnival which took place in 1976: “There were fancy dress competitions, side shows and stalls selling all manner of items including ice creams, food and drinks. The judges picked which carnival floats in each category were the best and awarded prizes. All this was only achieved by having a hard working, happy and cheerful dedicated team that gave their all.”

The carnival from 30 years ago was a wonderful event for the town and the upcoming carnival in June is shaping up to be even more magical.
For further details and to download forms to enter the Carnival parade, visit the website at www.oundlecarnival.co.uk.