Hanwell Carnival returns to Elthorne Park on Saturday 15 June, marking the start of a programme of summer festivities.
The fun begins with the parade from Hanwell Community Centre at 11am, reaching Elthorne Park in time for the official opening by the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Yvonne Johnson at midday. Entry is free.
In addition to local schools, Scouts, Brownies and Guides, and, of course, the Hanwell Ukelele Group (HUG), the parade will feature Irish dancers, Bolivian dancers, Hanwell Karate Club and more. The theme for the decorated floats is Hanwell Through the Seasons, so watch out for some great displays.
Music extravaganza
Headlining the main music stage is London Zulu, featuring members of London’s original global funk pioneers Transglobal Underground.
There will also be performances by 3 young bands from the Powerjam Band Project as well as The Surgeonaires – veterans of the west London pub and club scene, and TJ Holy Boy Johnson has wowed the crowd at the last 2 Ealing Jazz Festivals.
Music stage curator, Doug Stephens, said: “We have a great mix of acts this year from singer-songwriters to brilliant jazz and funk, and we can’t wait to see the Powerjam academy acts too.”
The Community Stage at the central bandstand will be brought to you by Westside Radio. Sone Palda from Westside said: “Our hosts are DJ D-Zine, Olivia Jackson and Shaniyaa. They will be introducing a local community choir, the Pauline Quirke Academy, Irish dancing, bhangra, Zumba and lots more. Listen out on Westside for news of a legendary performer in the closing jam session.”
Stalls, charities, crafts and animals
More than 30 local charities will be represented at carnival, and there will be a host of traders, selling vintage clothing, artwork, jewellery, speciality cakes and pastries.
Des McManus, carnival committee member, said: “We encourage everyone to support the local good causes, as for many of them it’s their biggest day of the year.”
The craft tent, run by Charm Miller, said: “Last year we had the most crafters ever at carnival and we hope to have as many this time around. We will have a great mixture of products all made by local crafters – ceramics, woodcraft, skincare, beauty products, prints, silk scarves etc. All items are sensibly priced so you should find some bargains in there.”
The dog show is always one of the most popular features at the carnival. Kat Williams from Dogworthy will run the session which includes training classes, Q&As as well as the usual show categories. Owners can enrol their dogs for the various classes on the day. Close by is the Animal Zone offering donkey rides and a petting farm featuring Shetland ponies, sheep, goats, rabbits and some reptiles as well.
Kids’ fun
Carnival committee member, Helen Papadopoulos said: “We will have all the usual attractions for the young at heart – face painting, funfair, go-karts and inflatables. Many of the charity stalls will offer the chance for the kids to win a prize to remember the day by.”
Food and drink
There will be plenty of refreshments on offer and a great choice of catering in the park with food from the Caribbean, Taiwan, Morocco, India, Greece, Thailand, plus burgers, vegetarian and vegan options, doughnuts, and ice cream. The Dodo Micropub in Hanwell is running the licensed bar and you can get teas, coffees and sweet treats from many of the charity stalls.
Hanwell Square, a development from FABRICA by A2Dominion and Higgins, is this year’s carnival sponsor. This marks their third year supporting the carnival.
More festival fun
Dates for your diaries:
• Ealing Beer Festival, brought to you by CAMRA – 10-13 July
• Acton Carnival – 13 July
• Latino Life – 20 July
• Ealing Comedy Festival – 18-19, 25-26 July
• New Gen Festival – 24 July
• Ealing Blues Festival – 27-28 July
• Ealing Jazz Festival – 3-4 August
