Welcome to the Horley Carnival 2023
2023 Carnival Parade Winners
Adults
First Place – The Bull Pub
Second Place – Archway Theatre
Third Place – Horley Business Guild
Juniors
First Place – Westvale Academy
Second Place – Horley Infant School
Third Place – Konnect School of Dance
Best Walking Entry
Care UK Wheelchairs
Most Humorous Entry
Acoustic Chemistry
Following the success of another Horley carnival I thought it would be appropriate to reflect on this fact.
As Chairman I have the privilege of leading a team of dedicated volunteers from local organisations
and some who are just individuals who give up many hours of their time not only planning the Carnival but also working on the day in various roles helped by a large number of other volunteers as marshals on the gate, around The Recreation Ground and supporting the parade. My thanks also to Bob, the town centre caretaker, who keeps the ground free of litter and the bins are emptied
Then we have the local businesses that support us by supplying banners and advertising boards and assisting with setting up the ground on the day of the carnival. Others allow us to display posters in their shop windows. Reigate & Banstead Borough Council who make the Victoria Road car park available to assemble the parade and grant the road closure order. The YMCA also gave up their car park for the band support vehicles.
The highlight for many is the Parade made possible by the generosity of local transport companies and farmers who give their time and resources freely with the latter providing hay bales for use on the floats whilst one of their number delivers straw bales to sit on whilst enjoying the various events in the arena.
To the many organisations who had stalls around the ground to add to the atmosphere on the day.
I also appreciate and acknowledge the continuing support of our sponsors led by Gatwick Airport.
On the day I received many compliments from outside organisations for which this was their first time at the Carnival saying what a fantastic day it was; particularly how friendly the residents were. They added that there are not many traditional Carnivals left most killed off by health and safety.
I could not end this reflection without mentioning the most important factor which is, you, the wonderful people of Horley who turn out in their thousands to take part or attend. If I am asked what makes this town special it’s you; your community spirit and your enthusiasm for the Carnival and our other community events which take place throughout the year.
We will give ourselves a short break before we begin planning for Horley Carnival 2024. Hope to see you there.
Mike George
Carnival Chairman
returns on Saturday 17th June 2023, from 12.00 pm until 5.00 pm
This will be the eleventh year since the Horley Carnival became an annual event and returns on Saturday 17th June 2023, from 12.00 pm until 5.00 pm; and continues to be free to enter. This year’s theme is The Natural World so we are looking forward to seeing some interesting floats around the theme.
We are taking this opportunity to bring some of the countryside into Horley through our two main arena acts: Huxleys Birds of Prey https://www.huxleysbop.co.uk/ return, but with a full display in the Arena and Misselchalke Gun Dog Display https://misselchalkegundogs.com/ Both will also have static displays where you can meet the birds and dogs up close.
The parade forms together in the Victoria Road car park and judging of the carnival floats will be carried out by the Mayors of Reigate & Banstead and Horley before the parade leaves the Victoria Road car park.
The parade will start leaving the car park at 12.30 pm, travelling along the same route as previous years, turning into Massetts Road, Russells Crescent, then north up Victoria Road, and turning right into the A23 Brighton Road and left into the Recreation Ground. One of the bands taking part in the parade will be performing in the Precinct before the arrival of the parade.
There will be the usual selection of community and commercial stalls along with a range of food & drink outlets. One of our stalls fits in well with our theme – the Natural World. The closing date for booking stalls is 26th May 2023. Stalls can be booked by contacting horleycarnival@gmail.com
Beach’s Funfair will be back and will be open from the Friday evening and they have kindly organised a firework display which will take place after dark Saturday evening. This will also be free to enter.
Returning will be favourite’s interactive talking characters from Animatronics, Punch & Judy, https://www.tomstalkingreptiles.co.uk/ , https://teamrubicon.co.uk/ and http://eastgrinsteadmodelengineers.co.uk/.
New this year, we have Misselchalke Gun Dog Display (Nick Gregory) https://misselchalkegundogs.com/ and Huxley’s Birds of Prey https://www.huxleysbop.co.uk/ we are hoping the Donkey Sanctuary will bring some of their residents along to join us.
A limited amount of space will be available on the ground for disabled parking but the car park will not be available from 11.00 am on the day whilst the Carnival is underway.
As always this is the result of the hard work over many months by several community groups, assisted by our sponsors who we would like to thank for their support – Gatwick Airport, Surrey County Council, Horley Town Council and MAD Ideas.
So make a note of the date in your diary and come along and join us and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Horley Carnival. For more updates follow us on https://www.facebook.com/HorleyCarnival OR https://twitter.com/RH6fun
