After a 17-year hiatus, the much-loved Mitcheldean Carnival is set to make its grand return this weekend in the Forest of Dean town. Once a staple of the community since the early 1960s, the carnival traditionally took place on the third Saturday in July, winding through Mitcheldean High Street.
The last carnival was held in 2009 before being replaced by the Mitcheldean Festival starting in 2014. Originally a folk festival, the event has grown each year, with this year’s edition poised to be the largest yet. Taking place over three days—from Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19—the festival will feature over 40 stalls, Morris dancing, a Ceilidh song and dance session, acoustic concerts, poetry and storytelling, and even a walking folk-singing tour of local pubs.
Most notably, the 2024 festival will revive the Mitcheldean Carnival on Saturday, July 18, marking its return after nearly two decades. Starting at 1pm from Mitcheldean Endowed Primary School on Hawker Hill, the carnival procession will be led by the local baton twirling and pom-pom dance group, the Harmony Twirlstars. The roads from Hawker Hill roundabout to Carrisbrook turning will be closed for about an hour to accommodate the parade’s route to the playing fields, where a lively fete awaits attendees.
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Organisers are inviting anyone interested to join the procession in costume, with pre-registration recommended. Tracey Cruikshank, one of the carnival’s organisers, shared the community’s excitement: “We don’t know how many will join, which is a little nerve-wracking, but the enthusiasm has been incredible. Many who remember the carnival as kids are now parents eager to share that magic with their own children.”
She added, “Bringing the carnival back alongside the fete and music festival has taken considerable effort, but it’s heartening to see the community’s support. I’ve already heard talk of costume making, which is fantastic.”
Tracey also highlighted the scale of this year’s fete: “With over 40 stalls—including commercial vendors, young entrepreneurs, and food sellers—it’s shaping up to be our biggest event yet, offering plenty of activities and entertainment for all ages.”
Best of all, the event is free to attend, welcoming everyone to experience the return of a cherished community tradition. Festivities kick off Friday evening at 6pm in the parish church and continue through the weekend, culminating in the much-anticipated carnival procession on Saturday.