IT’S great to be back!
That was the verdict of the huge crowds who crammed Wokingham for this year’s Winter Carnival.
After last year’s event went online during lockdown, organisers said they were delighted to see packed streets once more.
But one man who missed out was Philip Mirfin, who was bowing our after 20 years involvement including chairman for the last five, after he tested positive for covid.
Around 15,000 visitors filled the town centre where 80 stalls including a host of charities, food and drink, funfair rides, street entertainers and Santa’s grotto enjoyed a roaring trade.
Treasurer, Richard Norton, said he and other marshals were on site from six o’clock in the morning.
“To give you an idea of how busy it was, Santa nearly ran out of presents and the Rotary almost ran out of prizes but no one missed out,” he smiled.
“It was wonderful to see such large crowds and everyone was saying how much they missed the carnival last year and that they couldn’t wait for this year’s.
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“The charity stalls were very busy and I’m sure they helped raise a lot of money and got the word out about their work. The food and drink stalls did a roaring trade and the fun fair was busy throughout the day.”
More than £8,000 was raised for three nominated charities, The Link, Home-Start Wokingham and the Mayor’s chosen charity, the 3rd Wokingham Scouts.
Added Richard: “It was sad Philip missed his final carnival, but we were thinking of him.”
The town was closed to traffic making it easy for the crowds to wander around. Due to covid restrictions, the popular Trigger the Train ride had to be cancelled, and there was no carnival procession – although the performance stage in Peach Place had a full programme of entertainment.
The weather remained bright but cold and snow began to fall just after the carol concert ended but despite this a full cleaning team swept in to clear up any rubbish.
Phili Mirfin said he was “deeply sad” to miss his final carnival as chairman: “All the volunteers and anyone involved had to take a lateral flow test 48 hours before the start and my wife and I came up positive.
“We had been very careful, wearing masks and social distancing but somehow we caught it.
“I was delighted that during the day, my colleagues sent photos and updated me with reports.
“I’m delighted everything went so well thanks to that hard work of all those involved.”
