THE WOKINGHAM Lions are working hard putting the final touches to their annual charity fundraiser, in what is the group’s 50th year.
The Wokingham Winter Carnival 2024, not only represents a special half century achievement for the Wokingham Lions, it also promises festive entertainment for families, friends and visitors to the town, while raising money for borough charities.
With a wide range of entertainers, fun fair rides, and more than 125 stalls to visit, carnival goers to the free event this month can expect a fun day out.
What’s happening, when, and where?
There are four main event areas: Wokingham Market Place, where the main stage will be located; Peach Place; Denmark Street and Erfstadt Court; and Elms Field and Elms Walk.
The town is closed to traffic for the day, so that children can enjoy the event in a safe environment.
Wokingham Town Mayor, Cllr Rob Comber, and the Mini Mayor, will officially open the event in the Market Place.
Market Place, Main Stage:
10.30am Stalls and rides open
11am Official opening by Town Mayor and Mini Mayor
11.50am Phoenix Ukelele Band
12.25am Artemis Singers
1.05pm Berkshire Music Trust Bands (eight groups)
2.55pm Bracknell Senior Brass
3.15pm Saint Sebastian Wokingham Brass Band
4pm Santa and mayors countdown to the Christmas lights switch-on
4.15pm Wokingham Singers
4.40pm Community carols
5pm Laser show
5.30pm Fairground rides close
Peach Place:
11.30am Morris Dance displays (five troupes)
12.45pm Grannies Turismo Street Entertainers
1.30pm Dance extravaganza with all Morris teams and Bulgarian folk dancers
2.45pm The Reading Scottish Pipe Band
3.30pm Showtime in Peach Place: comedy juggling show for all the family
Denmark Street and Erfstadt Court:
11.30am Morris Dance displays and mix-and-mingle entertainers
12.30pm Watch out for The Grunch and friends
1.30pm Vintage barrel organ demonstration in The Plaza
2.30pm Grannies Turismo Street Entertainers
3.30pm Morris Dance displays
5.30pm Fairground rides close
Elms Field and Elms Walk:
11.30am Morris Dance displays
12.30pm Comedy jugglers and mix-and-mingle entertainers
1.30pm The Reading Scottish Pipe Band
2.30pm Mix-and-mingle street entertainment
3.30pm Morris Dance displays
5.30pm Fairground rides close
The timetable may be subject to last-minute changes due to factors outside the organisers’ control.
Wokingham Lions Club thanks their Winter Carnival Committee led by Tim Hanton, Wokingham Borough Council, Wokingham Town Council, The Wokingham Society, First Days Children’s Charity, VolkerWessels, The Wokingham Word, Copper Connexions, Wokingham Local, Waitrose, and an army of volunteers who have made the event possible.
They also thank this year’s sponsors: Clifton Ingram, Taylor Wimpey, Trademark Windows, Blandy & Blandy, and Allder Glass for their generous support.
As well as the Winter Carnival Wokingham Lions Club runs the town’s May Fayre, two Wokingham Walks, #WOKY Comedy nights at Wokingham Theatre, quiz nights, a Swimathon, the biennial Wokingham Classic Motor Show, and are one of the groups responsible for the annual Fireworks Spectacular.
The Wokingham Winter Carnival 2024 takes place on Sunday, November 24, from 10.30am through to 5.30pm.
For information, visit: wintercarnival.co.uk
