The first Witney Carnival was held in 1928, organised by the British Legion, now the Royal British Legion. The Carnival was originally held on King George’s Recreation Field at Newland and was the summer highlight of the year for local residents, many of whom would have been employees in the town’s blanket factories. Early’s Blankets along with other local firms and schools would decorate a float for the procession, which created great excitement for all involved. When WW2 broke out, the Carnival was not held again until it was revived in 1988 by the Witney Lions, Witney Rotary Club, Witney Round Table and Witney Rugby Club.
Although the location of the Carnival was changed to The Leys, the fun and the excitement this free event brings with it has not. Thanks to organisers from the Witney Rotary Club, Witney Lions Club and the 2120 Witney ATC Sqn, this year’s event will bring back childhood memories for us all as the theme is ‘Children’s TV Throughout the Ages.’ The theme was selected by local residents from a choice of six possibles.
Saturday 13th July is the BIG day! Starting at 11am the procession will start at The Leys going via Church Green, Corn Street, Holloway Road, Welch Way, High Street/Market Street and Church Green back to The Leys by 12 noon. You will have the chance to see at least 30 entrants, including five traction engines along with floats from schools and local organisations. Once the procession returns to The Leys, the main Carnival event will get underway concluding at 4.30pm. (During the time the floats are going around the town, there will be road closures in Witney).
Whatever your age, you will have the chance to spend the afternoon having fun as there is lots going on including free acts in the Arena from 12.30pm until 4pm. There is also a Funfair with Zorbing Balls, an Assault Course, Mirror Maze, Teacup Ride, Swinging Boats, Trampolines, Wipeout and lots more to take part in. No Carnival would be complete without food and drink to tuck in to. Along with a Pig Roast, there are several other food outlets including a Tea Tent and to quench the thirst you will find a Beer tent and a Pimms Bar.
Many local charities will be participating in the procession and will have stalls at the Carnival.
All profits raised from the Witney Carnival will be going to charitable causes.
To keep an eye on what is happening, please follow the event on Facebook.com/WitneyCarnival
