The Hanwell Carnival returns to Elthorne Park on Saturday 15 June 2024 for its 126th year which makes it the oldest event of its type in London and also one of the oldest in the country.
This year we are delighted to welcome Hanwell Square, a development from FABRICA by A2Dominion and Higgins, as our valued sponsor. This marks their 3rd year supporting the Carnival, and we’re incredibly grateful for their continued commitment.
Everything starts with the parade from Hanwell Community Centre at 11am, reaching Elthorne Park in time for the official opening by the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Yvonne Johnson.
In addition to local schools, Scouts, Brownies and Guides, and, of course, the Hanwell Ukelele Group (HUG), the parade will feature Irish dancers, Bolivian dancers and Hanwell Karate Club amongst others. The theme for the decorated floats is Hanwell Through the Seasons, so watch out for some great spectacles.
The fun of the main event all starts in Elthorne Park at 12 noon. What can you expect to find?
Music extravaganza
Headlining the main music stage are London Zulu, featuring members of London’s original global funk pioneers Transglobal Underground. We also have three young bands from the Powerjam Band Project. The Surgeonaires are veterans of the west London pub and club scene, and TJ Holy Boy Johnson has wowed the crowd at the last two Ealing Jazz Festivals. Music stage curator Doug Stephens says: “We have a great mix of acts this year from singer-songwriters to brilliant jazz and funk, and we can’t wait to see the Powerjam academy acts too.”
The Community Stage at the central bandstand will be brought to you by Westside Radio. Sone Palda from Westside told us: “Our hosts are DJ D-Zine, Olivia Jackson and Shaniyaa. They will be introducing a local community choir, the Pauline Quirke Academy, Irish dancing, bhangra, Zumba and lots more. Listen out on Westside for news of a legendary performer in the closing jam session.”
Stalls, charities, crafts and animals
Over 30 local charities will be present at Carnival, some of whom have been regulars for many years. Des McManus from the Carnival committee said: We encourage everyone to support the local good causes, as for many of them it’s their biggest day of the year.“ A similar number of traders will also attend, offering vintage clothing, artwork, jewellery, speciality cakes and pastries.
The Craft Tent is run by Charm Miller who told us: “Last year we had the most crafters ever at Carnival and we hope to have as many this time around. We will have 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 should find some bargains in there.”
The dog show is always one of the most popular features at Carnival. Kat Williams from Dogworthy will run the session which includes training classes, Q&As as well as the usual show categories. 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 some reptiles as well.
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 and drink
Rose Perreira added: “It’s a long day so there are plenty of refreshments to keep you going. There is a great choice of catering in the park with food from the Caribbean, Taiwan, Morocco, India, Greece, Thailand, plus burgers, vegetarian and vegan options, doughnuts, and ice cream. The Dodo Micropub in Hanwell are running the licensed bar and you can get teas, coffees and sweet treats from many of the charity stalls.”
15 June 2024 promises to be a great family day for the people of Hanwell, so let’s hope the weather stays fair and make sure you’re there.
