After a 17-year hiatus, the much-cherished Mitcheldean Carnival is making a triumphant return to the Forest of Dean this weekend. Once a highlight of the local calendar, the carnival was a staple event in Mitcheldean, with archival footage showing processions dating back to 1961. Traditionally held on the third Saturday of July along Mitcheldean High Street, the carnival concluded its last run in 2009 before being succeeded by the Mitcheldean Festival in 2014.
The Mitcheldean Festival has grown considerably since its inception, evolving from a humble folk celebration into a vibrant three-day event featuring over 40 stalls, Morris dancing, Ceilidh sessions, acoustic concerts, and storytelling tours through the town’s pubs. This year’s festival, running from Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19, promises to be the biggest yet—especially with the much-anticipated revival of the carnival.
The carnival procession will take place on Saturday, July 18, staying true to tradition by starting at 1pm from Mitcheldean Endowed Primary School on Hawker Hill. The spirited parade will be led by the local baton twirling and pom-pom dance troupe, the Harmony Twirlstars. To accommodate the festivities, the road from Hawker Hill roundabout to Carrisbrook turning will be temporarily closed.
Organisers warmly invite community members to join the procession, encouraging participants to dress up in their finest carnival costumes. While pre-registration is recommended, enthusiasm is running high. Tracey Cruikshank, one of the organisers spearheading the carnival’s comeback, expressed both excitement and nervousness, saying, “We have no idea how many people will be taking part, which is a bit terrifying! But the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many who remember the carnival are now parents, eager to share those joyful experiences with their children.”
Tracey also highlighted the significant effort behind the event’s return: “It’s taken a lot of planning and energy, but we hope people recognize our commitment and join in to make this a memorable celebration. I’ve already heard people talking about making costumes, which is wonderful.”
Aside from the carnival, the accompanying fete on the playing fields will be larger than ever, featuring a diverse array of stalls—from local businesses and young entrepreneurs to food vendors. The festival officially kicks off at 6pm on Friday, July 17, starting in the parish church, and best of all, admission to all events is free.
This revival of the Mitcheldean Carnival promises to rekindle community spirit and create cherished new memories, blending tradition with vibrant contemporary celebrations.