Wanborough Show - Summer Carnival

The Wanborough Show carnival procession has a long history with references to a procession through the village at the Wanborough Feast at the turn of thje last century. See our history page for details.

We have records of the 1st Revival of the Wanborough Carnival being in 1942. At the start of the war, the local girls who were interested in becoming the Carnival Queen sold programmes for Wings for Victory parade, the girl who sold the most programmes became the ‘Queen’ and this was Mary Hewer.

The carnival continued for many years, the queen being chosen at the beginning of Show Week and her attendants, many of who still live in the village. At its peak in the 60's the procession filled the whole of Kite Hill causing traffic jams back to the Horpit Cross Roads and up Callas Hill. Sadly due to a decline of interest the Carnival finally died in the early 80's.

The 2nd Revival took place for the Millinium year. Cathy Ballard and Sue Ripley decided that as a mark to the years gone by it would be a great idea to have a 1 off procession to mark the Millennium. Linda Hunt volunteered to help, and between the 3 and many willing helpers managed to get the Procession up and running and off the ground. The Carnival Prince and Princess are now selected at the Primary School Fete and the rest as they say is history!

Since it was reintroduced the event has steadily grown. It now closely represents what it must have been like in those early days with entries coming from primarily local Businesses, Organisations, families and individuals. This is now the 6th year and we are looking for a better entry than ever. This however, needs your support, the carnival procession is a real family event so why not join us and have some fun!