THE SPIRIT of the Mardi Gras and Rio de Janeiro comes to Astwood Bank this weekend when the 37th carnival rolls into town.
A long weekend of family entertainment starts tonight (Friday) with a new sell-out Summer Sundowner event at Sandhills Farm at 7pm, featuring live music and DJ, plus refreshments.
On Saturday, a horse-drawn carriage will convey this year’s carnival royal party consisting of Queen Imogen Chalk, two princesses, two princes and Rosebud Betty Sallis through the streets.
They will lead a procession of floats, bands and performers which, together, will transform Astwood Bank with sound and colourful costumes.
The main carnival showground off Edgioake Lane offers a wide array of festivities including food stalls, classic car display, live music, pony rides, fun dog show and a shopping area.
The weekend finishes off with a carnival finale on the Sunday at the Why Not Inn with live music and a barbecue.
Organiser Ashley Hewitt said: “We have over 100 stands at this year’s carnival and are looking forward to welcoming the community to a great free event this weekend.”
Saturday’s event runs from 11am to 5.30pm with the procession from midday to 2pm.
There will be road closures on Edgioake Lane, Evesham Road, Avenue Road, Chestnut Road, Hoopers Lane, High Street, Feckenham Road, Castle Street and Church Road from midday to 2pm as the procession makes its way around the town.
Last year £10,000 raised from the carnival weekend was donated to local good causes.
