Looking for Carnival ideas

It's a very special Carnival this year in Audlem. It's the 200th anniversary of the first Audlem Carnival or Wake and, this year, coincides with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations on Bank Holiday Monday, 4th June. 

Many in Audlem and district want to make this year's event a great success, ideally with the return of a parade and floats. Remember when lots of farmers organised floats. Can we get that restarted?

Or what about a parade with people in costumes from the past 200 years – or even the past 60 years since the Queen came to the throne. 

Volunteers are also wanted who can come forward with ideas and, hopefully, work with the Carnival committee to develop ideas.

Whether they can match the planned events of the 1812 Audlem Wake could be quite a challenge. While Napoleon was battling his way to and from Moscow, the citizens of Audlem were planning:

• Eating Hasty Pudding (for a prize)


• Three Men Smoking Tobacco (for a prize)


• A Gingling Match for a Valuable Prize


• A Handicap Purse for all Horses, Mares and Geldings


• Six Men to Leap in sacks


• Three Old Women to Drink Hot Tea – we kid you not


• To conclude with Young Women to Run Eighty Yards for a Valuable Acquisition decked with Ribbons.

Re-enacting some of those 1812 ideas might be an idea in itself.

The Carnival now coincides with the very successful Audlem Music and Arts Festival meaning that the village will be packed – all the more reason for a very special Carnival this year. 

So, thinking caps on! If you would like to be involved, or simply have an idea that might appeal, please call me on 01270 811843 or drop me an email at michaelhill439@btinternet.com and it will be passed on to Carnival team.

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