ONE of the largest community events in the New Forest is returning for the first time in three years.
Organisers are ramping up preparations for Ringwood Carnival, with hopes for the biggest ever procession through the town centre.
The popular event is due to take place on Saturday, September 17, with two parades – one in the afternoon at 2pm and an illuminated evening parade beginning at 7.15pm.
A spokeswoman for the event said: “The carnival committee are already busy preparing all things to make for a fantastic event.
“From a mixture of stalls at the village green and a wonderful exclusive VIP area in the Market Place, to street performers and of course sourcing the best rides for their resident Adlam’s Funfair.
“But most important of all, Ringwood Carnival want to make the 2022 processions bigger than ever before – and that means they need you.
“Why not enter one of the processions? You’ll have fun making a float, it could even be a walking entry, you’ll help to raise money for our charity by collecting pennies in our pots, and you will have a fantastic day full of fun and laughter.”
Thousands of people packed the streets of Ringwood when the carnival last took place in 2019.
The market town’s first carnival took place in 1928, with further events in 1931 and 1934.
After the Second World War, the celebration took place for the first time in 1950 and returned annually until the Covid pandemic forced cancellations in the past two years.
To find out more about the carnival, including how to sign up for the processions, visit ringwoodcarnival.org.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here