Melksham’s Carnival and Party in the Park, one of the biggest highlights on Melksham’s calendar, is just days away. The annual Party in the Park and Carnival procession are expected to draw large crowds, with an exciting line up for all the family this Saturday, 18th July.
Party in the Park will start at 1.00pm in King George V park with acts and activities running throughout the afternoon and evening, with a break at 6.00pm for the Melksham Carnival procession.
The line-up this year includes top tribute acts Only One Direction and Rob B Williams; former X-Factor contestant Zoe Alexander performing as the superstar Pink; Peppa Peg and Adrenaline Tour, a hair-raising motorcycle stunt act. And there will be the usual spectacular fireworks display at 10.10pm.
For the Carnival Procession starting at 6pm, an array of floats, bands and walking groups will march through the town, heading from Cooper Tires on Bath Road to the Market Place via Lowbourne, Ruskin Avenue, Pembroke Road, Coronation Road, Kenilworth Gardens & King Street.
Melksham Carnival chairman Simon Hedley said, “It’s looking to be a really good carnival – there are a few more entries and two bands, so it’s definitely going to be longer than last year.
“We don’t see the floats until the day so it’ll be exciting to see what people have done. Last year was my first time organising and there was a huge amount of people lining the street to watch, so we’re hoping for a turnout like that again!”
The awards given will include Best Float, Best Performance, Best School, Best Walking Group, and the Mayor’s Choice.
Carnival secretary Beth Dark said, “I’m looking forward to the carnival – I always do. This is my ninth year organising it and it’s the highlight of the Melksham calendar as far as I’m concerned! It’s a lot of hard work and we’ll be stressing until it’s over, but seeing people’s smiling faces on the day makes it all worthwhile.”
Party in the Park organiser Bruce Burry is also looking forward to a busy day with – for the first time – two headline acts on the main stage – top tribute acts Only One Direction and Rob B Williams.
Bruce said, “We have an exciting line-up of musical acts and other entertainment for all the family.
“Only One Direction will be performing in the afternoon and Rob B Williams will take to the stage in the evening; two exciting tribute acts appearing at Melksham’s Party in the Park for the first time.
“They will be supported throughout the day by other singers and groups offering a range of musical styles including The Decibelles, Ukelele Light Orchestra, Purple Fish, and local acts Courtney Buchanan, Heather Kerr and Hangar 18. And there will be appearances from Peppa Pig and a huge range of games and activities.
“In the arena there will be dancers, performers and an amazing quad and motorbike stunt show with special guest Jason Smyth.
“As it’s also carnival day, on entering the park you will be issued with a wristband, so you can leave to watch the carnival and be readmitted to the park later to enjoy the rest of the acts.
“So why not come along and in the words of one of our singers – Zoe Alexander performing as the superstar Pink – let’s get the party started!”
Click below to see our special Carnival feature.
