ONE of the highlights of the Wokingham calendar is set to return later this month.
The Winter Carnival will take over the town centre on Sunday, November 27.
For the first time, the Wokingham Lions will be organising the carnival after taking over the reins from Philip Mirfin and the previous committee earlier this year.
The Lions already host a number of events in and around the town including the annual Wokingham May Fayre, the recent Classic Car Show and The Wokingham Walks in the spring and autumn.
Tim Hanton, Winter Carnival chairman, said he was excited to be leading the team this year.
He added:”It is an excellent opportunity for Wokingham to celebrate the start of the lead up to Christmas and to support local charities.
“The event will be on similar lines to previous years, but with one or two changes including a laser show in Market Place to end the event.”
This year, following restrictions necessitated by the regeneration of the town and the pandemic, the carnival can now take place throughout the town centre, including Denmark Street, Erfstadt Court, Market Place, Peach Street, Broad Street, Rose Street and for the first time Peach Place.
Starting at 11am, many attractions will return including the fairground rides, free all-day entertainment and Santa will be there in his grotto.
More than 120 stalls have booked to attend, including craft, food and charity stalls.
Wokingham Lions Club will distribute profits after the event expenses to this year’s major beneficiaries, Kaleidoscopic UK and Building for the Future, as well as other local charities and good causes.
The day will culminate at 4pm in the traditional Carol Concert and the lighting of the Christmas Tree, followed at 4:45pm by a laser show in Market Place.
The Wokingham Winter Carnival was started in 1994, by the town centre manager at the time, Keith Hoskins, together with local shop owners and has grown into a popular annual event.
It receives support from Wokingham Town Council and The Wokingham Society, as well as sponsorship this year from Trademark Windows and The Rose Inn.
For more information on visit www.wintercarnival.co.uk or follow the Facebook page; Wokingham Winter Carnival 2022.
