The biggest day in Eynshams calendar is Eynsham Carnival. Held every year on the first weekend in July. This year to be held Saturday 4th July.
Yet for the carnival to be a success it is totally reliant on the good nature of the people of Eynsham, yes, those who volunteer. The volunteers make up the committee. There are 10x members at present with each volunteer having their own section to oversee. This could be organising the acts on the field or the craft stalls outside/inside the tents, delivering programmes to Eynsham residents prior to the 'big day' or selling tickets on the day.
The more volunteers they have the less there is for each one to do.
Could you spare one hour to help out on the day with manning the ticket tables and/or 'marshalling' the roads?
If you feel you would enjoy getting involved in any way and can spare the smallest amount of time (it all helps) please contact Peter Feakes enquiries@eynshamcarnival.com who will be only to pleased to hear from you.
If you didn't know already, the Carnival started in 1938 and is now in its 78th year. It is recognised as one of the oldest and longest running carnivals in Oxfordshire. A great day out for all the family to enjoy and a chance to meet up with friends you haven't seen in a while.
Busy building up to the shirt race (you need to be at the start line for 11:30 if you wish to participate) there are the Morris Men in the square, the arts exhibition set up in the Bartholomew rooms and St Leonards church is open early for the flower festival (where lots of groups in the village decorate an area with different themes each year. Definitely worth a peek).
The shirt race is followed by the Parade. The Pre-schools, Schools, Scouts and others all get involved in decorating floats which then parade through the village streets for all to admire with the Carnival Queen leading the way.The effort that everyone puts in makes it a truly special day, as they really are a sight to behold.
Once the parade has gone through the village, people start to walk to the field. If you pay on the gate the price is: £6 adults. £4 Children/ Concessions. Early bird tickets are available from Evenlode DIY, Eynsham Cellars or the Post Office. (£5 adults. £3 Children/Concessions). As well as this the Scouts sell tickets door to door to Eynsham residents in the weeks leading up to the Carnival. When the programmes are delivered they include a QR code to scan where you can also purchase a ticket.
Once inside you are greeted with an array of things to do and see. There are craft stalls, events in the centre field and plenty of different cuisine stalls to try.
At the bottom of the field you have Hatwells fair. This is always set up for people to enjoy the day before the carnival and always attracts good crowds.
So, come along and have a great family day out!