Thornbury Carnival plans revealed

THORNBURY Carnival's volunteer committee has revealed details of this year's event.

The organisers will stick with the formula which proved to be a success last year, when the event returned for the first time since the pandemic.

That means it will take place over two days, on Friday June 30 and Saturday July 1 - but there will be no parade through the town, with events instead set to be concentrated on Mundy Playing Fields for the foreseeable future.

Thornbury Carnival Committee chair Liam Williams said: "Although the committee is smaller now than in the past, the support of so many individuals and groups over the course of the weekend meant we were able to put on a fantastic event last July.

"We took the difficult decision not to organise a parade last year because, historically, it had been a very resource-intensive aspect of the event.

"Instead, we put all our efforts into the experience on the Mundy Playing Fields, including adding a new event on the Friday evening.

"We feel our decision paid off, because we received really positive feedback during both events and also on social media afterwards."

Liam said the committee currently does not currently plan to reinstate the parade at any point in the future, saying: “Our intention is to continue with our new format going forward.”

The volunteer committee has been working hard over the winter on plans for this year's events.

The first day will once again feature a Swing in the Park evening event, introduced for the first time last year.

Liam said the aim would be to create a “laid back summer evening vibe”.

The second day would feature the Main Event, 12 hours of entertainment from 11am until 11pm aiming for a “fun family festival feel”.

Liam said: "Each event will offer something slightly different but we do feel there will be something for everyone within our community."

Repeating the formula from last year, both events will feature a main stage with a wide range of professional acts plus a fully licensed bar and local food concessions.

The Saturday event will include a showcase for local talent, a funfair and children’s activities included as part of the ticket price.

A Show'n'Shine car exhibition, first introduced last year, will return featuring classic, American, modern sports, military, and other "unique and interesting" vehicles.

Vehicle owners who want to take part in Show'n'Shine, and anyone else who wants to get involved, can find out more information at the carnival website, www. thornburycarnival.co.uk.