A COMMUNITY EVENT is set to make a triumphant return after a three-year hiatus owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Spencers Wood Carnival will return on Saturday, September 16, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy a wide array of funfair activities, live entertainment, food and drink.
The event was unable to go ahead due to lockdown restrictions in 2020 and 2021, but was primed to make a comeback last year, only for it to fall inside the Queen’s mourning period.
With organisers moving on, co-founder Debbie Johnson-Wait was unsure whether the carnival would return, but was thrilled when Katie Harber and daughter Rosie Johnson stepped forward to help out.
Debbie said: “Everyone’s very excited. Although this year’s co-organisers haven’t organised the event before, they’ve grown up being part of it and are passionate about it.
“Karen, who was my co-organiser last year, had things which took her in a different direction. I thought: ‘What can I do? It’s a bit much to do all by myself.’”
“When Rosie and Katie stepped forward, it was such a relief.”
The event was launched 16 years ago, after co-founder Liz Ratcliffe – whose house overlooked Spencers Wood Recreation Ground – noticed the space was hardly being used and wanted to find a way to bring the community together.
Debbie explained that, given the number of new housing developments in the village and its surrounding area, the carnival offers an ideal opportunity for residents to get to know each other.
It has since become a staple fixture in the village’s calendar, and this year promises to be bigger and better than before.
John Connelly’s fun fair will set the tone from the start, with afro-fusion group Limpopo Groove performing later on in the evening. Furry Foot the Clown Show will also delight visitors both young and old.
Go-karts, laser quest and face painting are sure to prove popular, while young band Luminaria – featuring local musicians – will also feature. Tutu’s Ethiopian Table will provide their succulent menu on-site.
The event is free to attend, with organisers asking for those who are able to bring food donations for local food banks such as SHARE Shinfield and ReadiFood.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone for supporting the event over the years,” Debbie explained.
“Let’s make a great day of it for both the old and new communities, it’s a great opportunity to welcome people to the area.”
The event will take place from noon-9pm at Spencers Wood Recreation Ground on Clares Green Road.
For more information, visit: www.spencerswoodcarnival.co.uk
