Just as Carnival 2022 celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, so this year’s Farnham Carnival on Saturday, June 26 again joins the rest of the country in opening a new chapter with its theme of The Wonderful World of Books, just a few weeks after the coronation of King Charles III.

Carnival chairman Graham Noakes said: “Like World Book Day and Farnham’s own Literary Festival, both in March, this year’s theme echoes the fact that more and more people young and old are rediscovering both the joy and health benefits of reading.

“So come along and join the fun on the day, as the town will be thronged with colourful fictional characters from across the ages, from Oliver Twist and Alice in Wonderland to today’s classic favourites such as Harry Potter, Tracey Beaker and the Gruffalo.”       

Organised by the Farnham Lions and The Hedgehogs, the carnival is the biggest centrepiece event in the town’s calendar. 

The Carnival Fayre in Gostrey Meadow, with new principal sponsor Biffa, kicks off proceedings at 2pm running through to 9pm, and the carnival parade will wend its usual colourful and noisy way through the town between 6pm to 7.30pm.

Throughout the afternoon and evening at the fayre, everyone can enjoy the music and entertainment put on by local performers, as well as a wide range of charity stalls, drinks tents and food stalls. As ever, there also will be a large children’s play area with entertainers providing something special for younger visitors. 

This year sees family-run window and door company Greenlife Designs UK Ltd join carnival as the parade’s new principal sponsor. “As a business new to Farnham, we are especially excited and proud to be involved in making this year’s carnival a great success,” said co-partner Andrew Smith.   

Each year, the parade organisers are keen to attract entrants from all parts of the Farnham community: participation is open to schools, charities, businesses and other groups (free to all those embracing the carnival theme), providing a unique opportunity to promote local organisations and a ‘shop window’ to current projects and other initiatives. 

Special awards and certificates will be presented to the most outstanding entries and, as in previous years, all proceeds collected during the procession will be shared between the participating schools, youth groups and charities. 

“We love to see everyone thronging the parade route, of course,” says parade chairman, Chris Wilson, “but we also need lots of marshalls to ensure the parade runs smoothly and safely. 

“So if this is something you could help us with, please take a look at the ‘How to Get Involved’ contact form on the parade page of the website – we’d love to hear from you!”  

Reinforcing this, Graham Noakes added: “Like all such large events, the carnival simply wouldn’t happen without the generosity and support of local organisations and individuals. 

“So whether you want to take part in the parade, help on the day or take advantage of the many sponsorship opportunities available, now is the time to take a look at our website (www.farnhamcarnival.org) to see how you can make the carnival this year’s best seller!”