Wokingham Winter Carnival will be a Christmas cracker
IT’S going to be a Christmas cracker. That’s the verdict of the man behind the Wokingham Winter Carnival.
Philip Mirfin believes this year’s event will be one of the best — despite covid regulations restricting some events.
And it will be a case of mixed emotions for Mr Mirfin, who is bowing out after 20 years involvement with the carnival, including chairman for the past five.
Last year, the event, which attracts around 15,000 people, was heavily restricted due to the pandemic.
However, a cheerful Mr Mirfin promised things will be “near normal” for the family fun day that takes place on Sunday, November 25.
“There will be more than 80 stalls, funfair rides, street entertainers, mouthwatering food stalls, lots of amazing performances and, of course, Santa will be in his grotto,” he explained.
“The town is closed to traffic, so its easy to wander around. After a busy day there is the very popular carol service led by the mayor’s chaplain, Rev Judi Hattaway, and St. Sebastian’s band. Followed by the mayor and mini mayor on the balcony overseeing the light switch on.”
Due to covid restrictions, there is no parade or Trigger the Train but Mr Mirfin insists that will not spoil a major fun day for the town.
The performance stage will be sited at the eastern end of Peach Place, with a full programme of entertainment from 11am to 4pm.
Children can sit on the stage side of the plastic barriers, and there is space for disabled chairs and mobility scooters to view the performance from the stage side of the barrier.
“Santa is available for children to visit in the grotto at Wokingham Library from 11am. Santa will be socially distanced, but we hope that the children enjoy meeting him as usual.
“Please respect the social distancing with others queuing to see him.”
Added Mr Mirfin: “This is my last carnival as chairman. From next
year, the carnival will be organised by the Wokingham Lions. I have been involved for the past twenty years, but while I am stepping down as chair, I will still be involved.
“Every year businesses from within the town centre and surrounding area donate their time, energy and financial support to make it the success that it is.
“The committee are also very grateful for the continued support of Wokingham West Forest Round Table and West Forest 41 Club, together with other local Rotary, Lions and Round Table Clubs for help on the day and during preparations.”
People are asked to sign in when visiting the carnival via a smart phones, using the QR codes on signs around the town.
Wokingham Borough Council is encouraging all visitors to wear masks in crowded areas, use hand gel regularly through the day and respect the advice of our marshals.
What to see and where Market Place
Noon - Hodman and Sallyforth (from the internationally renowned
Flying Buttresses Puppet Company). Hodman and Sally have travelled from a land far away. Having wandered off course, they find themselves in deepest Wokingham, where they are intrigued to learn all about the strange inhabitants called hooman beans.
1pm - Artemis Singers from Artemis Studios and College of performing arts.
2pm - No Strings Attached Ukulele Group. Fabulous toe tapping songs.
3pm - Comedy Jugglers with their very own unique brand of silliness.
4.30pm - Carol service led by The Mayor’s Chaplain, Rev Judi Hattaway, and St. Sebastian’s band. The mayor and mini mayor will be on the balcony overseeing the light switch on.
Denmark Street:
Morris Dance displays by Berkshire Bedlam, Fools Gambit, Customs and Exiles and OBJ throughout the day.
Dance displays will take place towards the end of Denmark Street and in Peach Street.
R & R Fisher will be providing melodies from a bygone era with their vintage barrel organ.
11.30am - The immaculately costumed street performer Mr Twizzle will mix and mingle throughout the town.
Peace Place Stage:
11am
Brass
11.15am - Piano Solo Slot
Noon - Bracknell Concert Band 1pm - St Sebastian’s Brass Band 2pm - Bracknell & Wokingham Intermediate Strings
2.20pm - Windsor Pan Flutes 2.40pm - East Berks Jazz Orchestra
3.10pm - Wokingham & Bracknell Training Bands
3.40pm - Bracknell Youth Brass Throughout the day - Circus Scene’s Jugglers and street entertainers will mix and mingle all day.
- Bracknell Intermediate
Peach Street:
Throughout the day - Morris Dance Displays throughout the day.
Circus Scene’s Jugglers and street entertainers will be mixing and mingling throughout the day.
Broad Street:
Fairground rides and attractions for all ages.
Wokingham Library:
11am - 2.30pm - Santa’s grotto