Groups get into spirit of Children's TV Through the Ages theme at carnival

More than 30 entrants in costumes on the theme of 'Children's TV Through the Ages' will lead the procession at Witney Carnival later this month.

The schools and local organisations, both walking groups and floats, accompanied by at least five steam engines will parade along the traditional route from The Leys via Church Green, Corn Street, Holloway Road, Welsh Way, High Street and Market Street and then back via Church Green to The Leys on Saturday, July 13.

There entrants will be judged by a panel including a senior member of Witney-based company Abbott Diabetes Care and Radio Oxford presenter Sophie Law.

Witney Carnival 2023 (Image: Ed Nix)

The carnival will include free entertainment in the arena from 12.15pm until 4.30pm including a pipe band, young dancers, a circus show, a small stage show, Morris dancers and a Circus of Fire show.

There will be a beer tent, tea tent, Pimms tent, pig roast and a music tent with at least six different acts between noon and 5pm.

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For the more adventurous there will be a funfair with Zorbing Ball, teacup ride, swinging boat chairs, trampolines, an assault course, wipeout and a football goal as well as the traditional train.

Witney Rotary Club's Simon Hamilton, chairman of the carnival committee, said: "All in all there is something for everyone during the day.

"It is a chance for the whole of Witney to enjoy themselves – and a lot of the entertainment.  So come along and have a great time.”

The procession will set off from The Leys at 11am and is expected to return at about 12.15pm.

Road closures throughout the centre of Witney are likely to stay in place between 10.50am and 12.30pm.

A statement on the carnival website adds: "The carnival has been a highlight of the year in Witney since 1928 when it was first started by the then-British Legion (now Royal British Legion)."