THE carnival is always one of the biggest highlights in Farnham’s calendar, providing the opportunity for everyone in the town and surrounding areas to get together for a fun day out.

Taking place on Saturday, June 24, this year’s carnival is no different with its theme of ‘A Day at the Seaside’ offering all those taking part unlimited scope for their creativity. Imaginations can run riot, as children of all ages recreate one of the favourite summer family days out.

“All we need to complete the picture of a perfect day by the sea will be clear blue skies and sunshine!” said carnival chairman Colin Jordan.

With a large number of procession entries, and a range of entertainments at the Gostrey Meadow fayre offering something for everyone, the organisers believe that Farnham is set fair for another spectacular carnival day.

A wide variety of procession entrants, all hoping to be ‘best in class’, will first be judged on the basis of their creativity, relevance and innovation by a group of local VIPs, who as ever will have a tough job on their hands.

The overall winning entry will be awarded the ‘Best in Show Shield’ and one of the schools will receive the ‘Henry Liu Trophy’. The ‘Wise & Co Trophy’ will be presented to the school or pre-school with the most innovative and creative entry and there are many other category awards, ranging from ‘First in Class’ to ‘Highly Commended’ certificates.

And all will be proudly displayed by the winners as they tour the town.

At 6pm, the town’s streets will be thronged with people ready to welcome all of the participants taking part in the carnival procession. It starts from the Upper Hart car park, slowly winding its way along West Street and The Borough, around the Woolmead, then down South Street, along Union Road and up Downing Street, before returning to The Hart via West Street.

And the excitement starts right from the off as, in an exciting ‘first’, this year’s procession will be preceded by a team of professional BMX freestyle riders who will display their extraordinary brand of cycling skills and stunts around the streets of Farnham.

All the money collected from the procession is returned to the schools, youth groups and charities taking part.

Earlier in the day, the Carnival Fayre in Gostrey Meadow - which starts at 2pm - will be filled with the sounds of young and old alike having a great time.

Local bands playing a wide range of music will be on stage throughout the afternoon and evening, as well as a variety of stalls and sideshows. Included is an array of food outlets will be a seafood bar, a unique addition reflecting this year’s theme, and beer and drinks tents will be on hand to ensure people’s thirsts are fully quenched.

And, to complete the picture, a children’s corner will provide games and entertainments including funfair attractions and a Punch & Judy show to keep the younger generation fully occupied and entertained.

Copies of the full programme of events can be picked up in advance from the town council office, Farnham library, Farnham Museum and the Farnham Herald office. It will also be available throughout carnival day itself from the town crier, as well as in Gostrey Meadow and the Upper Hart car park.

Farnham Carnival (www.farnhamcarnival.org.uk) is organised by a committee comprised mainly of members from The Hedgehogs (www.the-hed

geogs.org.co.uk) and Farnham Lions Club (www.farnhamlions.org.uk).

These two charity groups undertake this event to say ‘thank you’ to Farnham for all the help received throughout the year. As a result, they are able to provide much-needed assistance to local charities and individuals in need.

Farnham Carnival also would not happen without the invaluable support of Farnham Town Council and Surrey County Council, as well as the Farnham Chamber of Commerce, Farnham Institute Charity, Weyfest and local businesses.

This year, principal sponsors of the procession are Vale Furnishers, with Bridges Estate Agents again principal sponsors of the Gostrey fayre.

Other sponsors include Allways Glazing Works Ltd, BBS Ltd, BakerLaw Solicitors, Best Western Frensham Pond Hotel, Elphicks, Farnham Estates Ltd, Farnham Herald, The Wheatsheaf, Squires Garden Centres, TAG Farnborough Airport, and Wise & Co Accountants.

And an especially big ‘thank you’ goes once again to 229 (Farnham) Squadron Air Training Corps and to everyone else who support carnival in so many different ways.

“Thousands of residents and visitors alike together with friends and families always enjoy the carnival day,” said Mr Jordan. “So, don’t forget to bring along your beach towels, buckets and spades and knotted handkerchiefs and make sure that you enjoy the fun on what is always a very special occasion”