New time for Woodley Carnival parade

ON SATURDAY, Woodley will cheer on the heroes and boo the villains as the annual carnival takes place.

But there is a major change this year as the parade takes place an hour earlier.

The theme for this year’s event is Heroes and Villains and there will be special appearances throughout the day from Darth Vader and his stormtroopers, Greedo, Kylo and Judge Dredd.

The annual carnival procession leaves Comet Way from 11am, travelling through the streets of Woodley to arrive at the carnival field for 1.30pm. From Comet Way it will go along Hurricane Way, Welford Road, Church Road, Fosters Lane, Crockhamwell

Road, Woodlands Avenue, Howth Drive, Beechwood Avenue before reaching Headley Road and the carnival itself.

The parade will be headed up by Carnival Queen Summer Close, 10, with Alyssa Coomber, 8, and Destiny Strotten,7, her Princesses.

Trophies will be presented for the best school or charity float, the best walking display and the best business float.

And once inside the arena, there will be plenty to do with hundreds of stalls, activities and games to play.

Younger superheroes will be able to enjoy a range of free events including an inflatable world and rides on the Smiley Train.

There will also be a dog show and a classic car show which entries including the Batmobile.

Stilt walker Tall Will will show why he’s a bubbleologist, and the Delta Flyball Club will demonstrate the fun sport.

Then, from 6pm, the annual Party In The Park will take place.

The first act is Mike and The Rockbelly, then Ready Or Night perform before Only The Poets entertain the crowds.

“The headline band is Madison Heights, who will perform a mixture of Motown hits. The evening ends with fireworks.

“Our main arena is positively bursting with activity this year, with local groups providing a range of singing, dancing and acrobatic displays,” added Peter Jacobs, chair of the organising committee.

“There will be lots of exciting competitions including a classic car show, dog show and flower show all taking place during the afternoon.

“We also have some fantastic displays from local enthusiast of model railways, traction engines, caged birds and even some exciting exotic animals.

“One of the many highlights is a 1966 Batmobile which has appeared all over the world, including with the original Batman, Adam West.

“There’s also the chance to meet some of our own local superheroes with displays from the fire, police and ambulance service.

“In the evening, people can bring a picnic to enjoy in the park while enjoying live music before a spectacular fireworks display brings the day to a close.”

Four local charities will benefit from the carnival including, Woodley Foodbank, Woodley First Responders, The Me2 Club and the charity, Just Around The Corner.

Full details of the Woodley Carnival including ticket prices are available at www.woodleycarnival.org.uk