The Hanwell Carnival returns to Elthorne Park on Saturday 17 June 2023, and this year it is celebrating the 125th anniversary of the first carnival held in Hanwell. This makes it the oldest event of its type in London and most definitely one of the oldest in the country.
The day kicks off with the parade, starting from Hanwell Community Centre at 11am and reaching Elthorne Park in time for the official opening of the carnival by the mayor of Ealing, Councillor Hitesh Tailor.
This year, in addition to local schools, scouts, musical and dance acts and, of course, the Hanwell Ukelele Group (HUG), the parade will feature a classic car display, including an original Herbie car! The theme for the decorated floats is, of course, Hanwell Through the Ages, so watch out for some great spectacles. This should build the carnival mood as people come out to watch the parade and then follow it to down to the park.
The fun of the main event all starts in Elthorne Park at 12noon. What can you expect to find?
Music extravaganza
As there is no Hanwell Hootie this year, the Hootie team have offered to run the main music stage at Carnival. Andy McRobbie, one of the Hootie directors, said: “We’re delighted to team up with Hanwell Carnival for this pop-up. We have a great line-up featuring some local bands. Rise of Apollo are inspired by the heavenly sounds of 70s rock, and they look and sound the part! All Day Breakfast Café are a seven-piece female group who are known as south London’s favourite disco band. We finish with the Future Shape of Sound who describe themselves as a 10-piece shakedown crime gospel rock’n’roll soul blues outfit. And, of course, the irrepressible HUG will be on stage as well.”
Westside Radio will be running the Community Stage at the central bandstand once again, sponsored by Turtle Bay. Sone Palda from Westside told us: “We’re bringing a great mix of entertainment, all hosted by DJ D-Zine, Issra and Yezzi Yezzir. You’ll get to see Irish dance, bhangra, breakdance, Ealing Rock Choir, Zumba, DJ jam sessions and lots more.”
Stalls with goods galore – and furry friends
Hanwell Carnival does its utmost to support local good causes, and we are expecting around 30 charity stalls in the park. Allison Coles, a Carnival committee member said: “For many of the charities this is their biggest fundraising event of the year, so we encourage all visitors to support them. We’ll also have a wide range of trade stalls where – amongst other things – you can pick up original works of art, vintage clothing, jewellery and speciality cakes and pastries.
“In the Craft Tent there is a great mixture of products all made by local crafters – ceramics, woodcraft, skincare, beauty products, prints, silk scarves etc. All items are sensibly priced so you may find some bargains in there.”
The dog show is always a big hit at Carnival. This year we will have training classes as well as the usual show categories which include waggiest tail and golden oldies over 7 years. Owners can enrol their dogs for the various classes on the day. Close by is the Animal Zone offering donkey rides and a petting farm featuring Shetland ponies, sheep, goats, rabbits and possibly a few reptiles.
Kids’ fun
Helen Papadopoulos explained: “We will have all the usual attractions for the young at heart – face painting, funfair, go-karts and inflatables. Many of the charity stalls will offer the chance for the kids to win a prize to remember the day by.”
Food, drink and treats
“It’s a long day so there are plenty of refreshments to keep you going,” added Colin Iles. “There is a great choice of catering in the park with food from the Caribbean, Germany, Greece, plus burgers, pizzas, hot dogs, vegetarian and vegan options, doughnuts, crepes and
ice cream. And there are two licensed bars to quench the thirst as well as teas, coffees and sweet treats from many of the charity stalls.
“17 June promises to be a great family day for the people of Hanwell and of course everyone from the borough of Ealing, so please make sure you are there.”
To mark the special occasion and to show support, the Carnival team have produced a limited edition T-shirt which can be purchased on the day.
