Carnival Day in Andover is a highly anticipated event that attracts thousands of residents and visitors who come together to celebrate the community and the vibrant spirit of the town.
This beloved annual event will be held at Vigo Park this year, featuring a fantastic procession. Additionally, InAndover from the Andover Business Improvement District (BID) brings the carnival spirit to the heart of the High Street.
The festivities at Vigo Park will kick off at 12 pm, and attendees are kindly requested to make a donation upon entry. Once inside, they will be greeted with captivating performances by local artists on the main stage. The park will be filled with food vendors, stalls, face painters, a teddy tombola, circus workshops, and, of course, the exhilarating Fun Fair that will provide amusement throughout the day. Attendees will also have the chance to take photos with their favourite Disney and Marvel characters. The evening will conclude with DJ Disco Dion, ensuring a lively atmosphere where everyone can dance and enjoy themselves.
In addition to the events at Vigo Park, the High Street will undergo a transformation into a carnival wonderland from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Attendees can enjoy live music, dance performances by local talents, including school groups, choirs, and solo musicians. The popular Tipsy-Gipsies will headline the High Street stage at 3:30 pm, delivering their catchy tunes for everyone to sing and dance along. Circus Wessex will amaze the crowd with their impressive circus skills, while face painters, a penalty shootout, and an outdoor play area will provide entertainment for children.
The highlight of the day will be the procession, which can be witnessed on Bridge Street or in the nearby car parks as it makes its way to Vigo Park. Over 25 groups will participate, showcasing vibrant floats, unique vehicles, lively dancers, drummers, and occasional surprises for the audience. Attendees are encouraged to contribute to the charitable cause by donating to the buckets or using the provided QR code, with all funds raised being evenly distributed between two deserving local charities: Koala and Me and My Dad Club.
Kevin Rush, the Carnival Chair, expressed his excitement, noting the year-long effort that goes into organizing the event and the joy of seeing so many people come together to enjoy various aspects of Carnival Day. The committee members eagerly anticipate sharing this special day with the town and the satisfaction of presenting substantial donations to the chosen charities. He said ““a whole year of work goes into this one-day but nothing compares to buzz of seeing so many people turn up and enjoy so many aspects of carnival day.
“Then once it’s all over the buzz returns as we, hopefully, hand over 2 big cheques to 2 very worthy causes. We know Andover has a great community spirit, and I believe this is more evident on Carnival Day than at any other event throughout the year. We here on the committee can’t wait to share the day with the town”
Shelley Coburn from Andover BID emphasized the significance of Carnival Day for the town, stating that the festivities on the High Street would provide an immersive and memorable experience for all. The added entertainment and activities aim to celebrate the town, support local businesses, and foster a sense of community among residents and visitors. She said ““Carnival Day is a highlight of the year for Andover, and we are delighted to bring the festivities directly to the High Street
“By adding more entertainment and activities, we aim to create an immersive and memorable experience for everyone. It’s an excellent opportunity for residents and visitors to celebrate our town and enjoy our local businesses.”
Everyone is encouraged to join in and embrace the lively atmosphere, indulge in treats, explore unique treasures from local vendors, and create cherished memories. The energy and spirit of Carnival Day will captivate the entire town, making it an unforgettable event. For more information, interested individuals can visit the official website at www.inandover.co.uk/events/andover-carnival/ or follow updates on www.facebook.com/AndoverCarnivalEvent.
