MELKSHAM Carnival makes its long-awaited return this weekend with its biggest procession ever, packed full of surprises and a guest appearance from Father Christmas!
This year’s procession will be held this Saturday, 25th June; the first procession since 2019 – and the carnival committee says that the ‘forced rest’ has helped reboot their passion and determination to put on a grand show for the town.
This year carnival revellers can expect to see dance groups, bands, carnival royalty, large lorry floats, tractors, floats from regular procession participants such as Melksham Rugby Club and Meads of Melksham, and a number of new participants.
Melksham Lions Club will also be taking part, bringing along with them Father Christmas, who has agreed to bring some Christmas magic to the festivities.
“We are returning with passion and determination,” said Beth Dark on behalf of the Melksham Carnival committee. “Having a rest period has given us a refresh and a reboot – we are ‘sleeves up’ and ready to go!
“It would seem that the local community are equally excited about the carnival’s return. I am so pleased that people are so excited about it – we’ve had so many people tell us that they can’t wait. People are so passionate and positive about it, which has been really lovely.
“We want everyone to come out to support us – we need people to watch us along the route. It’s wonderful to see the community out together, smiling – that’s my reward!”
About some of the highlights people can expect at this year’s procession, Beth said, “Nortree Motor Company are providing transport for the carnival royalty, by way of a float, which is wonderful as we have not had the royalty all together on a float in a very long time. Nortree are well up for it and ready to go with their bits and bobs, the float is going to be really adorable and very, very cute!
“It’s wonderful that Nortree have taken the royalty’s transport off my hands. Organising the carnival royalty can sometimes feel like planning a wedding for five brides! So I am so pleased and grateful to Nortree.
“The Melksham Lions are joining us and they are bringing Santa to join them in the carnival! Santa is going to be coming to Melksham to keep his eye on all the children to make sure they are on the ‘good list’. We’re really excited about that!
“Others taking part, like Meads of Melksham, have remained very tight-lipped about what they are doing – so there will be lots of surprises on the day!”
The carnival procession is this Saturday 25th June – it will leave Cooper Tire’s car park at 6pm, making its way through the town centre, onto Lowbourne, Ruskin Avenue, Pembroke Road, Coronation Road, and then Spa Road, heading back through the town centre.
Rolling road closures will be in place between 5.30pm and 8pm.
For more information about Melksham Carnival, visit the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ MelkshamCarnival; or email Beth Dark: bethdark@icloud.com
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