Astwood Bank Carnival 2019 delivers biggest and most ambitious carnival yet (video) - The Redditch Standard

Astwood Bank Carnival 2019 delivers biggest and most ambitious carnival yet (video)

Redditch Editorial 15th Jul, 2019 Updated: 15th Jul, 2019   0

HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Redditch as Astwood Bank Carnival 2019 delivered its biggest and most ambitious carnival yet.

The festivities began on Friday night (July 12) with a barn dance held at the Carnival Marquee at SE Davis, on Edgioake Lane.

Folk band ‘Life of Riley’ took to the stage and had people standing on their feet all night.

Guests also enjoyed entertainment from local magician Sam Wilson as they tucked into tasty food prepared by Indian restaurant, Little India.




On Saturday morning the carnival lorries, decorated from top to bottom, and kindly donated by Studley firm Allelys, took to the streets in dramatic fashion.


Redditch MP Rachel Maclean, who was judging the floats alongside deputy Mayor Gareth Prosser, said: “It was a great day at Astwood Bank Carnival and very difficult to pick a winner.

“But we decided to choose Astwood Bank Girl Guides for their stunning beach theme!”

Following the result, the procession – led by new Carnival Queen Poppy Marshall – made its way from SE David field to Astwood Primary School to meet up with the walking groups.

Father Glenn of St Matthias and St George church and Redditch Standard reporter Harry Leach chose Astwood Bank Primary School as the winning walking group.

The 1st Redditch Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade and Blue Cross came in second and third place, respectively.

Father Glenn said: “It was very tough to decide between the groups as they were all dressed so well.

“But we decided to pick Astwood Bank Primary who chose the excellent theme of ‘music icons’.”

Astwood Bank parent Karen Slack, who dressed up as Ginger Spice, said: “We’re extremely proud of all the children and the parents for their hard work, not only helping with the outfits but also with creating stickers too.”

Headteacher Debbie Yarnold said: “The carnival is fantastic because it gives the children a wider perspective of the village and the community.

“We’re also very fortunate that the carnival committee often donates money to our school to help improve our IT department as well as numerous other projects.”

At around 1pm the walking groups, Shirley Pipe Band and the Redditch Air Cadets Band joined the procession as it arrived at Astwood Bank Primary School.

Together they marched down to the Carnival Field to find out the winner of this year’s ‘Best in Show’ award and watch as the Carnival Royalty were crowned.

The float chosen as the best overall was the Astwood Bank Girl Guides.

With the sun shining, the crowds remained in good spirits all afternoon as they watched performances in the arena.

It started with Lucy Jane School of Dance and was followed by a series of bouts put on by the Full Force Wrestling team.

There was also an incredible flypast from a Spitfire and various activities such as fencing, donkey rides, fairground attractions and a dog show for revelers to enjoy.

The weekend concluded on Sunday with the new ‘Carnival Finale’ event, organised by Why Not Inn restaurant.

The raffle raised an incredible £877, which will be donated to the carnival committee for distribution later this year.

Ashley Hewitt, chairman of Astwood Bank Community group, said: “With bands playing, a children’s entertainer performing, free face-painting and good weather, it was a perfect way to finish off this year’s carnival.

“Whether you are a business which supported us,float designers, volunteers or just came out and supported the events over the weekend, we want to thank you all for contributing towards what was a truly an amazing community event.”

Volunteers are already wanted to help with next year’s carnival.

You can register your support by emailing [email protected]

Funds raised from the carnival and other activities run by the Astwood Bank Community Group are distributed to projects such as the provision of Christmas Lights and Astwood Bank in Bloom as well as a variety of local groups.

Last year just under £5,000 went to these groups.

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