Village gearing up to get into the carnival spirit
The big event takes place this weekend
SPECTATORS will line the streets of Barwell this weekend as the village celebrates the 70th consecutive annual carnival.
A colourful procession of floats, walkers and marching bands will weave its way through the streets this Saturday starting at 1.30pm in Moat Way.
The procession will be led by this year’s Royal Family who were chosen by independent judges earlier this year.
Heading the group will be Carnival Queen Holly Neale, Princesses Sadie Gamble and Ruby Adkins, Faith Browning-Williams and Kacey Lucas Biggs, and Princes Rylee GeorgeMarshall and Corey Bartlett.
Following the procession and throughout the afternoon a host of arena events will be held at the Barwell Academy field with stalls and rides, music, races, cheerleaders and martial arts displays.
There will also be a range of refreshments on offer including hot dogs, a hog roast, jacket potatoes, burgers and tea and coffee.
All the money raised on the day goes to local good causes, as well as the running of next year’s carnival.
The event is organised by Barwell Carnival Association, a small group of volunteers who work hard all year round to ensure the carnival is as good as it can be.
Association chairman Mathew Hulbert said: “We’re so excited about this year’s carnival, especially with it being the 70th consecutive holding of the event since 1946.
“I’d like to pay tribute to all the wonderful members of our committee who do such dedicated and fantastic work and to all the local groups, charities, businesses and individuals who have and will help to make this a very special occasion.
“We look forward, as with every year, to see the people of our village come out, support their annual carnival and take part in all the sights, sounds and activities.”
People can follow the carnival on Facebook, on Twitter at @BarwellCarnival and are encouraged to tweet and post about it on the day, using the hashtag #Barwell.
The full parade route is Moat Way, Mill Street, High Street, Top Town, Kirkby Road, Byron Street, Moore Road, Forrest View Road, Queens Way, Oxford Street, Kirkby Road, Top Town and back down High Street.