A BOROUGH village pulled out all the stops for its summer festival.
The streets of Crowthorne were a riot of colour and music as hundreds of carnival-goers flocked to the procession, which takes place every two years.
Sandhurst Community Brass and Breakaway Band, a piper who led the parade, magician Fred In The Shed, live music from WHY band, rescue vehicles, floats filled with children, and a caravan of Minis, landrovers and motorbikes gave visitors plenty to enjoy throughout the day.
The theme of this year’s carnival was Surfing the Seven Seas.
Chair of the Crowthorne Carnival Association, Steve Loudoun, said: “It was a very good day, although it started out very wet.
“The morning was really difficult for people setting up their gazebos, some of which went flying in the wind, and the kids got rather damp getting settled in the floats, but as the parade began, the sun came out and it was glorious.
“The afternoon just got better and better and most people had a very good time.”
The parade featured plenty of creative costumes.
“People’s imaginations and efforts were exceptional.” said Mr Loudoun.
“We had Vikings, mermaids, and even a dog with Viking horns.
“Hundreds of children took part, and overall there must have been more than a thousand people at the event.”
The parade was followed by a funfair, with carnival activities continuing throughout the week.
The village can enjoy a field gun race, ceilidh dancing, a quiz night, children’s disco and treasure hunt, ending with a flower show at St John’s Church, Crowthorne, starting on Friday.
“It is wonderful that the whole community turns out for this event,” Mr Loudoun continued.
“And we love that they enjoy it.
“Now we really need some of them to come and join our committee of volunteers, to ensure that the next carnival takes place in 2026.
“Without their help that won’t happen, so we’d love to hear from anyone willing to get involved.”
Organisers would like to thank Wellington College for their support, and for allowing the carnival to assemble in their grounds.
For information, and to enquire about joining the organisers, log onto: www.crowthornecarnival.org or visit their Facebook page.
