This afternoon, Norwood Playing Fields has played host to the 2012 Somersham Carnival Day.
The celebrations kicked off with the Procession, which left The Trundle at 12:15pm, taking the newly-crowned Princess Morgan and her attendants Rachel Day and Eleanor Phipps, on a colourful carnival-filled atmosphere to the playing field, followed by many floats, walkers and classic vehicles.
A Baby Competition, Comedy Sumo Wrestling, a Fun Fair, a beer tent, the music tent, and many stalls, kept the crowds entertained with a series of events taking place in the main arena. Even the sunshine decided to ‘Go For Gold’ – a nod to this year’s theme.
Carnival Day is not the end of Carnival Week though, with a Family Cycle Ride, 5-a-side Football and a Pool Tournament taking place tomorrow (Sunday 24th June).
Here’s just a few photos from what has been a fun-filled day.
Newly crowned Princess Morgan Matthews (centre) with her two attendants Rachel Day (left) and Eleanor Phipps (right). Photo: JLC Photography Ltd.
A new Princess has been crowned in Somersham and is ready for her Carnival Day duties.
Princess Morgan Matthews was crowned on Sunday 17th June. She was joined by her two attendants – Rachel Day and Eleanor Phipps.
The Princess’ duties see her take centre stage in Saturday’s procession of carnival floats and walkers along with her two attendants. The procession leaves The Trundle at 12:15pm and makes its way to the Parkhall Playing Field to mark the start of the Carnival Day proceedings.
Somersham Carnival Day takes place this Saturday, 23rd June, starting with the Procession at 12.15pm.
The Carnival Day Schedule:
9:00am – Stalls can set up on the Parkhall playing field from 9am. Ready to open by 12 noon.
A range of classic vehicles will be on display. (c) JLC Photography Ltd.
11:45am – Vintage Vehicles, with streamers and flags, to assemble at Millennium Hall car park – please go via Feoffees Road to avoid the floats.
11:45am – Floats to assemble at the North End of The Trundle. Fancy dress walkers and anyone carrying an Olympic-style torch (no real flames!) to assemble at Millennium Gate. All welcome (children must be accompanied by a responsible adult). Judging will take place at this time. Prizes for Best Decorated Float (Club, School and Independent) and for Best Walking Group.
12:15pm – Procession leaves The Trundle heading for Parkhall Playing Field.
1:30pm – Fancy Dress Competition – ‘Going For Gold’ theme. Children and adults in the main arena.
Gymnasts from Huntingdon Gymnastics Club will perform at 2:30pm. Photo: JLC Photography Ltd.
3:15pm – Comedy Sumo Wrestling!
3:45pm – Presentation of trophies
4:00pm – Balloon Race Release – £1 per balloon – prize for owner of balloon that has travelled the furthest by 17th July 2012 (the Olympics opening ceremony).
4:15pm – Tug of War Competition – teams should register at the Carnival Information Tent
4:45pm – Grand Prize Draw
Attractions throughout Carnival Day include: Classic cars, Bouncy castle, Fun Fair side shows, Refreshments in Victory Hall (kindly organised by Mary’s Tea Rooms), Pimms Stall, Craft Stalls and Charity Stalls. The Beer Tent opens at 12 noon and closes at 5:30pm.
St Ives Rhythm & Blues band will be back to play on Carnival Day. Photo: JLC Photography Ltd.
The Carnival Committee reserves the right to amend the line-up where appropriate and at short notice.
Carnival Week continues…
Don’t forget though, that Carnival Day is not the end of Somersham Carnival Week – Sunday 24th sees the annual Family Cycle Ride and the 5-a-side Football Tournament take place.
Thursday 21st June sees St John’s Church in Somersham play host to this year’s Proms Concert – a joint concert arranged by the Carnival Committee and the Friends of Somersham Parish Church.
The evening starts at 7:30pm and will include Prom favourites Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and many many more songs and tunes.
Somersham Town Band and Pidley Male Voice Choir will be performing. They will be joined by guests Edward Tomanek (a 9yr old organist) and Jennifer Thomson (soprano), for what will be a truly unmissable night.
You can get hold of tickets for the event in advance from Mary’s Tea Rooms (adults £6.50, children £3.00) or alternatively on the door (adults £7.50, children £3.00). Interval refreshment is included in the cost of the ticket.
The ever popular game of Bingo! takes place on Wednesday 20th June as a joint venture between Somersham Carnival and Somersham School PFA.
Doors open at 6.30pm at Somersham School Hall, with eyes down at 7pm for an evening that may include ‘one little duck’, ‘kelly’s eye’, ‘all the trees’ and ‘legs eleven.
There are grocery prizes, a cash prize game and a raffle.
Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Join in the fun with this year’s ‘Car Treasure Hunt’!
On Tuesday 19th June, the Somersham Carnival Car Treasure Hunt takes place, leading teams around the Somersham area.
To take part, you need to decide on a team name in keeping with this year’s ‘Going For Gold’ theme, and then drive along to the Victory Hall for staggered starts between 6.30-7.30pm.
It costs £2.50 per adult, and £1.00 per child to take part, and this includes refreshments.
The winning team of the treasure hunt will be presented with the Clare Kirby Memorial Trophy at approximately 10.30pm.
The Car Treasure Hunt is kindly organised by Debbie Jones and Amanda Bateman.
Somersham Carnival Week kicked off on Saturday 16th with ‘Sport For All’ – a day of sporting and fitness activity taster sessions. Ed Procter and a number of sports coaches were on hand to introduce, encourage and teach people a range of new activities as diverse as Zumba, Tang Soo Do, Archery, Table tennis, and a Wheelchair Sport Challenge.
Here’s a selection of photos from the day – check back, as we’ll update it with more pics soon.
