THE POPULAR Astwood Bank Carnival will return on Saturday (July 13) with a number of activities and entertainment for the entire family, writes Jeanna Karcz.
The event will have a ‘Walk on the Wildside’ theme, celebrating the summer in a jungle adventure style and offering visitors of all ages a variety of activities and entertainment.
For younger visitors, the carnival offers an animal corner, pony rides and fairground attractions.
For all ages, there will be a dog show, car show, performances from professional aerial performers The Vander Wheel of Death, Shaun Paul Smith Dance Academy, known for its street style, and the Lucy Jane School of Dance and Starlight School of Dance – they both teach various dance styles.
Full Force Wrestling will also be there and have a float in the procession.
And there will be live music from artists including Dan Sealey, Ellie Jones, Jamie Knight, Adam Lee and bands including The Troubadours and Jack Read and The Shaders.
The procession starts at midday, with carnival queen Kaite, aged 13, princesses Florence and Alice, aged nine and eight, and rosebuds Poppy and Teddy, aged six, and Molly, aged five.
Astwood Bank Community Group Chair, Ashley Hewitt, said the event was about bringing everyone together, adding: “Whether it is the local businesses, schools, scouting groups, operatic society, Astwood Bank in Bloom or many of our worthy locally-based groups and charities, it is a real celebration of our wide community.”
Refreshments will include a variety of international cuisines, as well as a bar and a Pimm’s tent.
All proceeds will go to the community fund group. More than £10,000 was raised in 2024 which paid for events throughout the year.
The Sundowner takes place at 9pm tonight (Friday, July 11) with shuttle buses sponsored by Royal Motorways.
Visit astwoodbankcg.co.uk for more information.
