April Update:

The wheels are now moving into top gear as Carnival day rapidly approaches. A massive thank you to everyone getting involved, and especially to the steering committee who have raised around £14k
to help make the day possible. We encourage everyone to set the  weekend aside to take time to enjoy the fun and to experience the return of Woodchurch Carnival after its 26 years absence.
The event has been set up so that everyone can enjoy the day without breaking the bank. In these troubled times, where money is often a struggle, don’t stay away as many of the events/shows are free and  others are very cheap. Most games stalls are only 50p and a ticketing system will be in use for the fair rides and game stalls. Tickets will be available to buy from The HUB on and before the big day.
The Parade:
There is still time to register to be in the parade as either a float or walking character. This month the team will be working with those already registered offering support where they can. If you want to take part but are unsure how, talk to a member of the team or contact us through the Carnival Web Site. Prizes will be awarded for floats that really catch the judges’ eye.
Stalls:
There has already been a great take up from stall holders and there will be a lot for you to browse and buy – including a variety of food and drink, memorabilia and many other items. This month stall holders will receive their details for the day and offered support if needed.
The arena, bands and lasers:
There will be some great displays on the day and you will have the  chance to watch and get interactive!
There is also a separate music arena where a line-up of 5 bands will be playing a variety of music.
We can confirm now that the climax to the carnival day will a laser show set to music in the church yard and onto the church.
This will replace the more typical firework display (as we feel it is more environmentally and animal friendly) and will be a first for Woodchurch. The display will take place around 10-10:30pm as soon as darkness permits.
Timings are being finalised this month and the program will soon be announced.
Woody, our mascot:
Our carnival mascot has grown roots and we have
commissioned a badge that can be purchased now from the Hub, museum and other locations. Woody is also set to start touring and will be visiting many places prior to the carnival.
Village Beacon:
The carnival committee have supported the Parish Council with a donation towards a beacon on the Green. This will be lit for the first time as part of the national celebration plans on the 2nd June. More detail to follow.
Street Parties:
The 5th June is the national Street Party day and we encourage everyone to have their own street or front garden parties. As we did on VE day last year the roaming camera car will be going around again to capture you all with the aim of making a commemoration photo book of the day/weekend. If you take photos over the weekend please send them to us and we will include as many as we can. The book will be given to Woodchurch Museum to become part of our Woodchurch heritage.
Volunteers day: Saturday 7th May in Woodchurch Memorial Hall
So many of you have offered to help and we really appreciate this as it’s a tall task to run the day, we are all excited but also nervous as we want this to be a great success for everyone to enjoy.
We would therefore like to invite the village to join us on the 7th May so you can see the days plans in full. This will be the day when all those who have volunteered will be matched up with their tasks. Refreshments will be available on the day.
I am sure you can appreciate that to make this happen we have a lot of balls being juggled at present. Please support us as we are volunteers too and are learning more each day about what it takes to organise a Carnival. Remember its not too late to enter a display, float or stall and we also have opportunities for businesses to support us by advertising with us, either in the brochure or on the arena.

March Update:

A lot has been going on and we now have an official team looking at bringing the Carnival together. TOP NEWS – we are extending the celebrations with the main Carnival still on the 4th June 2022.

The Steering group remains focused, listening to our community and we are pleased to say that we have now secured sufficient funding to bring you a great weekend of celebrations. We would like to thank:

• Woodchurch Windmill Trust 

• Borough Councillor David Ledger

• County Councillor David Robey 

• Borough Councillor George Sparkes

• The Big Thin Red Line 

• The National Lottery

The money has enabled us to grow the celebrations and ensure that it will be affordable for everyone attending. It will also allow us to secure many assets that the village will be able to use in the future.
There are many more we need to thank for their support, including Bill Giles, Hobbs Parker, Alex Fairs and Phil and Deni Roberts. Many apologies if anyone has not yet been mentioned.
Our website www.woodchurchcarnival.uk is constantly being updated and it is also the place to volunteer for the day and to also register your:
• Floats      • Stalls      • Arena displays
Follow us on social media. As well as Facebook we are now on Tik-Tok so following the carnival cannot be easier.

Stalls and Arena
A lot of stalls have already registered. Details of stall costs can be found on the website www.woodchurchcarnival.uk. We also have a number of groups and businesses booked to perform in the main arena. If you would like to put on a display then please contact us as we want more.

Dates for the Diary:

7th May Carnival and volunteer meeting and update at Woodchurch Memorial Hall.

2nd June Beacon lighting ceremony and Garden competition judging.

The national plan is to light beacons across the country. The village aims to have a beacon on the Green with refreshments and music. Woodchurch in Bloom are running a garden competition (watch out for details). Judging will take place on this day and trophies will be presented on the 4th June

3rd June TBC. We are looking to hold an event aimed at the more junior residents of the village. Updates will be posted. 

4th June Main Event Carnival. The main event is going to be a wow for the village. As well as the Parade, stalls and arena, we have acquired – 3 top bands for the afternoon entertainment; some fun fair attractions; and a laser light show to finish off the evening.

5th June street and garden parties. The national plan for the 5th June is street parties and we would like to recreate the success of VE day last year by asking the village to hold front garden parties and street parties. If you need to close roads its free and please ask as we can assist with the application. Contact enquiries@woodchurchcarnival.uk. We would like to create, a village photo book of the day and this we will be held in the museum for prosperity.

If you are interested in being part of an enthusiastic volunteer team please visit our website www.woodchurchcarnival.uk or email to enquiries@woodchurchcarnival.uk