THIS year's Astwood Bank Carnival festivities will go from Friday evening right through to Sunday afternoon.
The bumper weekend kicks off on Friday, July 12 with a barn dance taking place in the carnival marquee from 7.30pm at SE Davis in Edgioake Lane.
As well as music being provided by the Life of Riley band, local close-up magician Sam Wilson will be entertaining everyone, and food is being provided by local Carnival supporters Little India.
Saturday morning will start bright and early with numerous lorries, kindly donated by Allelys, receiving their final decorative treatments before being judged by local MP Rachel Maclean and Redditch Mayor Roger Bennett, along with Sue Davis of SE Davis.
They will then leave the SE Davis field at noon in a procession led by this year’s carnival royalty of Poppy Marshall (queen), accompanied by princesses, Orla Harrington, Rebecca Davis, and Daisy Stewart-Clarke in a horse drawn lander donated by Thomas Brothers.
Intermingled with the procession floats will be a series of bands and walking groups.
The whole procession winds its way around the bunting laden streets of Astwood Bank with thousands of spectators cheering and donating their loose coins into the many buckets carried along the route.
As the procession returns to SE Davis the carnival atmosphere continues as the crowds flood into the carnival field which will be packed with stalls, donkey rides, fairground attractions, a fun dog show organised by Maisie’s Pet Boutique, the very popular beer and Pimms tents, as well as the tea tent.
The arena this year has a wide range of entertainment including fencing, wrestling, music and dance.
To wrap-up the weekend, starting at midday on the Sunday, July 14, the Why Not Inn, in association with the carnival team, are hosting a carnival finale event with live music, outdoor games, children’s entertainment and a BBQ.
Astwood Bank community group chair Ashley Hewitt said: “We are delighted to be able to return to a full weekend of activities with the addition of our carnival finale event being held in association with the Why Not Inn, another great example of local businesses supporting us.”
Note: There will be road closures in place across Astwood Bank between noon and 2pm on Saturday, July 13.
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