Published:
11:29 September 14, 2022
The Great Dunmow Carnival is set to go ahead as planned on Saturday, with some changes to the program planned in light of the Queen’s death.
The carnival theme this year is rainbow, and the day will include a traditional procession, exhibition events, a variety of stalls, food and drink stands, a free evening concert and a fireworks display.
Today, the recreation ground will open at 12:00 and the carnival will end at 22:00.
The procession starts at 1pm from the Recreation Ground and will make its way through the town and return via the Market Place, High Street, Braintree Road, St Edmunds Lane and Church Road.
During the entire duration of the procession there will be a road block and therefore the roads will be temporarily closed.
Changes to the program of events include a two-minute silence for the Queen at 1.30pm, which will be held as the procession arrives and stops at the High Street War Memorial.
A spokesman for the carnival committee said: “The carnival committee was saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who devoted her life to the service of the British people and the Commonwealth.
“The committee has considered the government’s guidance regarding the upcoming carnival this weekend. This year we will come together and express our condolences by celebrating the life of our extraordinary queen.
“Each year the carnival is an opportunity for local charities to raise much-needed charitable donations – a fitting tribute to the Queen who lived her life in service to our country and its people.
“We feel that continuing the event will be a benefit to the community, local businesses, charities and stall owners who have already put a lot of time and care into their offerings for the day.
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences remain with the Royal Family at this time.”
At 2pm, the Reverend Tom Warmington will open the event on the grounds with a service dedicated to the Queen, followed by another two minutes’ silence and the National Anthem celebrating King Charles III.
The rest of the 2022 line-up includes local performing acts and clubs, showcasing the amazing talent in Great Dunmow, while musical acts aim to provide a party atmosphere throughout the evening.
Rhythm and Balls will be moving around the park giving children a chance to learn circus skills.
This year’s Carnival Court will also appear. Each year a carnival queen and usually two carnival princesses are chosen to represent Great Dunmow at carnivals across Essex.
This tradition began over 70 years ago with the first Carnival Queen, June Brown (neé Devoil), in 1951.
The selection evening of the Carnival was held in March this year, when the new court was crowned. The 2022 court members are Carnival Queen Luna Vonne Collins, Princesses Lucy Migonelli and Bethany Sullivan, and Prince Charlie Watson.
The Carnival Court has already appeared at nine other carnivals in Hertfordshire and Essex throughout the summer.
Anyone interested in being part of the 2023 Carnival Court can get in touch at https://www.dunmowcarnival.co.uk/carnival-court.
Various competitions were held in the run-up to the event to involve the local community as carnival fever gripped the city.
These included a ‘rainbows’ themed shop window competition and an art competition to design a carnival poster.
Some of the entries can be seen on the carnival’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/greatdunmowcarnival.
The full afternoon schedule is as follows:
2.30pm to 3pm: ROM Arts Theatre
3pm to 3.30pm: Mayor of Great Dunmow and Carnival Queens
From 15:30 to 16:00: Granary Dance Studio
4pm to 4.45pm: Scott Forbes
5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.: Tequila Sunrise
Evening entertainment schedule:
18:00 to 18:45: Trina
19:10 to 19:55: Recovered – Queen’s Tribute
20:00 to 20:10: Fireworks
From 21:10 to 22:00: Funk Soul Lovers
While every effort will be made to adhere to the above schedule, there is the possibility that it may change on the day.
Each year the carnival procession raises money for local charities. This year they will be collecting for Uttlesford Foodbank and Mind in West Essex.
