Oakengates Carnival returns this summer
Oakengates Town Council have announced the return of the much-loved Oakengates Carnival on Saturday, 12th July.
They have enlisted Shropshire Festivals to organise the event, after the success of the 2023 carnival which attracted a record-breaking turnout.
Residents are encouraged to line the streets for a colourful procession through Oakengates from 11.30am to 12 noon on Saturday, 12 July, to enjoy the carnival procession, vintage vehicles, and performers. The procession will be followed by a free family fun day at Hartshill Park from 12 noon to 7pm.
Free children’s activities include a 150ft inflatable assault course, alpacas, circus skills, sports, arts and crafts, space hoppers, helter-skelter slide, rodeo bull, bungee run, bouncy castle, and lots more. As well as entertainment on the band stand, the live music stage will host top local bands, schools and groups. There will also be street food, drinks, and stalls.
Shropshire Festivals have opened applications for carnival floats, vintage vehicles, marching band style performances, community dance groups and other performers.
The Mayor of Oakengates Cllr. Stephen Reynolds said: “We’re excited to share that the beloved Oakengates Carnival is set to return this summer. Shropshire Festivals delivered a fantastic event back in 2023, which attracted thousands of visitors. We’re delighted they’ll be bringing us more fun on 12 July.
“The parade and family fun day are completely free to attend, giving our local community the chance to celebrate the summer together. Join us at the Green Flag award-winning Hartshill Park.”
Beth Heath, Shropshire Festivals’ Director of Fun, added: “Once again we will be lining up lots of free activities for a full day of entrainment for the whole family. Plus, there will be street food, bars and exhibitors to peruse, and not forgetting the popular procession to kick off the day.
“If you have an interesting vehicle, you’re up for making a float, or you’re part of a local community or performance group and you’d like to join the procession, we’d love to hear from you.”
For more information and to get involved in the procession, visit oakengatescarnival.co.uk.
