Volunteers needed for biggest party in town

Top Newbury Carnival acts include Rampage Mas Band

THE resurgent Newbury Carnival takes place this year on Sunday, July 5, with a top line-up of attractions, including 50 entries for the parade – and it needs your help.

Newbury Carnival chairman, Bryan Harper, said: “Owing to another record-breaking carnival parade and fete, we need more volunteer carnival stewards on the day, to ensure the safe running of the event for everyone involved.”

Each year, a large number of charities and good causes benefit from being part of the carnival, raising much- needed funds, as well as raising their profile in the town.

Volunteers will need to be available for approximately two-and-a-half hours, starting with a short briefing at the town hall in the Market Place at 12.45pm.

Mr Harper added: “The carnival would not be complete without the many thousands of people who line the streets to cheer the parade along.

“Last time more than 10,000 people filled the town centre.

“We would love to see you again this year... bring your friends.”

To really make the event special, the legendary Rampage Mas Band has been booked.

Rampage Mas Band are a 45-strong group of entertainers who will be bringing the best of West Indian carnival tradition to the town’s streets, with a mix of UK and Caribbean styles that are sure to stun the crowds.

Ruth Walker, project manager for Newbury Carnival 2015, said: “This is a real coup for Newbury Carnival and we are delighted they have chosen to join us this year. They bring an exciting and dynamic mix of costumes and music typical of the ‘big’ carnivals, like Notting Hill and South America. They promise to be a real spectacle.”

Rampage Mas Band have appeared in many of the country’s leading carnivals and their costumes will be based on the American Indians tribes and areas of their lives such as the home, ancestor, warriors and dancers.

There are now approaching 60 entries in the Carnival Parade.

Entry to the Carnival Parade is free, and there is still time to register to take part.

Stalls at the carnival fete are also free to charities.

The carnival fete boasts an exciting programme of music and dance, children’s rides and activities for all ages; a variety of food and drink stalls, including traditional English, German, Indian, Californian, Caribbean, Spanish and Thai; a variety of trade stalls; many local groups and charities; a dog show; and African drumming, plus a full programme of arena events.

Full details of all the events, plus details of how to register or volunteer, can be found online at www.newburycarnival.co.uk