Carnivals and fun days in Lymington, Christchurch, New Milton, Sway, Totton, Copythorne, Netley Marsh and Ringwood to return this summer
COMMUNITIES are set to come together once again as many of the New Forest’s popular carnivals and fun days return from being cancelled due to the pandemic.
In Lymington, the popular procession returns on 10th July and organisers hope to also have a féte at the nearby sports ground, subject to permission.
This year it is being organised by Lymington Community Centre, with help from former members of the Lymington and Brockenhurst Lions Club who used to run the event until the group folded in 2020, due to pressures of the pandemic, after more than 30 years of fundraising.
A spokesperson for the community centre told the A&T: “This year’s theme will be ‘my favourite film’. It has been two years since we had the carnival so to bring it back will be a boost to the community. It will be good for everyone to come together again.”
Christchurch carnival, which took place in a smaller format last year minus the parade due to social distancing, will make its comeback on 13th and 14th August.
Chair Viv Charrett told the A&T: “The main events will be much as usual – lots of stalls, food and drink, events, live music, a funfair, the ever-popular dog show, and fireworks on the quay on Saturday night.
“This year we want to reinstate the parade through the town centre on Sunday afternoon, as many people said they missed it last year.”
New Milton Rugby Club’s family fun day, which is the club’s biggest fundraiser, will return on 11th June after a two-year break.
Ten days of events will be held in Sway starting on 1st July which includes a féte on 2nd July and the carnival procession on 9th July. This year’s theme is ‘our beautiful planet’.
In Totton, the annual donkey derby which raises money for local Scouts will return to Eling recreation ground on 21st May while the town’s carnival is due to go ahead on 18th June.
A spokesperson for Totton carnival told the A&T: “We are extremely excited to be bringing the carnival back to the community.
“The committee has many incredible plans and the passion to make this year’s carnival a massive success.”
Copythorne carnival will return in June too, with the annual procession taking place on the 11th. Organisers are also holding a steam and vintage rally on the 12th and a fun run the following day.
The Netley Marsh carnival will return on 25th June with a festival theme while the three-day Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show will be held at Meadowmead Farm from 22nd July.
The culmination of events will be Ringwood carnival, which was last held in 2019. It will return on 17th September.
