EXCITEMENT is building in Cheriton Fitzpaine after the date of this year’s Carnival has been announced.

The bi-annual event will take place on Saturday, July 18 and run from 5pm to midnight.

There will be live music in the village from 6pm and the procession will begin at 7pm.

Children dressed in fancy dress at a Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival many years ago.
Children dressed in fancy dress at a Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival many years ago. (Liz Bailey)
Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival procession, year unknown.
Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival procession, year unknown. (Liz Bailey)

Everyone is invited to save the date and get ready for a brilliant day packed with entertainment, colour, and local spirit!

The 2024 Carnival Queen was Belle Tonkin (11), who had five attendants, Erin, Bertie, Izzy, Molly and Grace all in the carnival parade, riding in a horse drawn carriage.

To be crowned Queen, Belle and her family sold £1,845 worth of raffle tickets.

The combined efforts of those who sold raffle tickets raised £2,836 towards the Carnival expenses.

Belle was crowned by her cousin, Harry Tonkin, who was Carnival King when the previous Carnival took place in 2018.

Village organisations and groups all prepare a tableaux for the procession.

In 2024 it included music, a fire engine, samba band plus vehicle and walking entries.

Some of the children in fancy dress at Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival, year unknown.
Some of the children in fancy dress at Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival, year unknown. (Liz Bailey)
Fancy dress entrants at Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival, date unknown.
Fancy dress entrants at Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival, date unknown. (Liz Bailey)

Many people gather in the village to watch the carnival.

Judging of the tableaux and walking entries traditionally takes place at the village primary school.

Now begins the search for this year’s Royalty.

Children who would like to represent the village carnival and help sell raffle tickets are now invited to apply.

Children aged 8 and over must have a connection to the village.

A minimum of £100 worth of tickets must be sold to guarantee a place in the Royalty Procession.

The Royal party led Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival procession and Liz Bailey would like to know what year.
The Royal party led Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival procession and Liz Bailey would like to know what year. (Liz Bailey)

The person who sells the most tickets will be crowned Carnival King or Queen.

A parent or responsible adult must accompany the child when selling tickets.

To apply email Anna: [email protected]

Closing date for applications is Friday, May 1.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the carnival celebrations!