Welcome to Carnival 2008 which takes place on
Saturday 5th July 2008.
The carnival theme this year is ‘Carnival of Colours’
As usual the fantastic FREE day out that is Knockholt Carnival is in two parts
The Parade. This includes an array of over 35 floats decorated to the Carnival theme as well as a Green Goddess fire engine and a fleet of classic cars, plus much, much more. The parade winds its way through our beautiful village between noon and 1pm BUT make sure you arrive early (as all access to and through the village closes between 11am and 1pm for obvious reasons) and get parked up in one of the three large FREE car parks attended by our marshals. Don't forget to buy a programme, which is also your FREE raffle ticket for the Grand Draw.
The Carnival. On the recreation ground (next to Knockholt Village Centre), an afternoon of great, but very different, events and attractions have been laid on ranging from a bird of prey display by Eagle Heights to terrier (dog) racing – yes it’s true terrier racing. Whilst there you will be able to visit over 100 stalls selling an array of goods as well as a kids 'copter ride and a bouncy castle. AND no village carnival would be complete without traditional Morris Dancers and a beer tent selling fine ales from Britain's oldest brewery, Shepherd Neame.
For further information call Tony or Sandy on 01959 532300 or email info@knockholtcarnival.co.uk
STOP PRESS!!!!
As you read this, we ‘re days away from the BIG DAY and organisers are working frantically to get everything in place for a smooth, fun-packed event. All the elements are coming together and on top of the highly secretive, ultra-competitive, but always spectacular, village floats (we’ve had a squadron of Spitfires in the past!), we’ve also Gertie the Green Goddess who’ll let you test your strength on the recreation ground with an innovative ‘Tug-O’Gertie’ competition (see below). Add to that the Forest Hill Classic Car Club‘s beautifully restored and maintained historic vehicles, the amazing Bloco Fogo samba band – who’ll bring Latin American colour to the Carnival of Colours – marching bands and much, much more and Knockholt will live up to its reputation as staging arguably the biggest village Carnival in the country.
Attention! We’re also being ‘invaded’ by the Army with what will be a very unusual attraction A recruitment team ‘s booked space for 'laser clay pigeon shooting' – this means you can test your shooting accuracy without the risk of taking out any fellow Carnival goers if you‘re not that good! Of course, if you can’t cope with virtual combat, there’re gentler pursuits – around 100 other stalls offering everything from rural arts & crafts through traditional hog roasts to kids’ rides.
But back to Gertie. If you feel like flexing your muscles, once Gertie‘s finished in the parade, she’s ready to take whatever you can throw at her. ‘Tug O’Gertie’s’ similar to Tug-O War – except teams of eight must pull Gertie over a set distance against the clock. And given that she’s a near six-ton vintage fire engine, Gertie’s not going to lie back and think of England! We‘re looking for teams (maximum eight people, but we might consider ten if you’re all girls) to take up the challenge of tugging a reluctant lady across the field. Call Brian Boyden on 01959 533093 to register now and be sure of your place, or turn up on July 5th.
If that's not exciting enough, we’ve arranged 'terrier racing' as one of the highlights of our afternoon arena events. Bizarre? Possibly. But this one does what it says on the tin. We conclude the day with an always special flying display of birds of prey, courtesy of Eagle Heights. Which just leaves the presentation of prizes by Carnival King & Queen Michael & Beryl Stevens and celebrity DI Jane Corrigan from TV’s Crimewatch – and of course the Grand Draw.
So as you can see, there’s a lot going on and lots to see and do on Carnival Day. Did I mention the beer tent with fine ales from Shepherd Neame, founded in 1698 and the oldest brewery in the country? The Morris Men we’ve hired will be making a beeline for it!
We've had several kind offers from volunteers, but we can always do with more (call Sandy on 01959 532300).And I believe there are still a few spaces left on the field for stalls, so if you want to book call Brian Boyden (number above).
But please do buy a programme, either from the village shop and pubs during June or on the day as it’s only a quid and contains your free raffle ticket for the Grand Draw – with all profits going to our charities and good causes to make you feel virtuous.
The chosen charity for funds raised during Carnival 2008 season is121 Youth Befriending
which helps vulnerable young children in West Kent offload stress, regain lost self-esteem and restore a belief in themselves. 121 offers a befriending and support service to vulnerable young people aged 6 to 16 living in West Kent giving them the opportunity to trust an adult outside the family as well as meet other 121 children for group activities, giving them a chance to socialise and feel part of the community. Visit www.youthbefriending.co.uk
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If you would like to see more about the village of Knockholt - please visit the parish council site at www.knockholtparish.org.uk
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