Farnham was awash with colour and creativity on Saturday, June 28, as crowds gathered for the town’s annual carnival.

They all drink in a Yellow Pubmarine.
They all drink in a Yellow Pubmarine! (Alton, Farnham and Fleet Camera Club)

Organised by the Farnham Hedgehogs, this year’s event took on an ocean theme, with dozens of vibrant floats celebrating life under the sea – from octopuses and orcas to submarines, pirates, and treasure chests.

The procession included schoolchildren, marching bands, and local groups who brought the underwater world to life in dazzling costumes and floats.

This chap had the perfect vantage point for the event.
This chap had the perfect vantage point for the event. (Aldershot, Farnham and Fleet Camera Club.)

There was also a serious message woven into the festivities, highlighting the threats of plastic waste and overfishing to the planet’s oceans.

The scorching heat couldn’t dampen the party mood at Farnham Carnival 2025.
The scorching heat couldn’t dampen the party mood at Farnham Carnival 2025. (Aldershot, Farnham and Fleet Camera Club.)

Meg Daniels of Farnham Institute Charity, one of the event sponsors, praised participants, saying: “The pupils had really grasped the idea of recycling in a big way and were so aware of the climate changes and conditions in the oceans.”

Potters Gate C of E Primary School pupils brought plenty of energy.
Potters Gate C of E Primary School pupils brought plenty of energy. (Aldershot, Farnham and Fleet Camera Club)

Sarah Squire of Squires Garden Centres, another sponsor, said: “It really is a very special community event for Farnham and was so clearly a source of great fun for participants and spectators alike.”

Mark Dickinson, managing partner of Shaw Gibbs, who was one of the judges, said: “So much effort, enthusiasm and energy was put in by all the carnival participants in creating their floats and costumes.”

Janie Elliott-Dunn, Farnham BID Manager, summed up the day. “The energy and creativity on display at this year’s Farnham Carnival were truly inspiring. It was a brilliant day for the town, full of community spirit, colour, and joy,” she said.

This mermaid was a delighted winner.
This mermaid was a delighted winner. (Aldershot, Farnham and Fleet Camera Club.)

Keith Connors, founder of Boogie Days over 30's daytime disco, said: “The team loved every minute playing nostalgic dance tracks to the many hundreds of revellers at the sun drenched Carnival.”

Cllr Michaela Martin, of Surrey Country Council, added: “I am glad through Surrey Country Council we have been able to support the Farnham Carnival, organised by the Hedgehogs. It is a well-loved family event, and it was lovely on Saturday to see so many people enjoying the carnival.”

Among the gold award winners on the day, St Peter’s C of E School was named Best in Show, while Badshot Lea Infant School took home the award for Best School Entry. The Shaw Gibbs Award for Innovation and Creativity went to William Cobbett School, and the Carnival Shield for best adult or teen entry was awarded jointly to Farnham Swimming Club and Farnham Leisure Centre.