News

2009 Carnival A Huge Success

The 2009 Oundle Carnival went down as a resounding hit with all who attended and took part. It is estimated that up to 4,000 people were involved throughout the 12 hour programme. Following Carnival Day, the organising committee was overwhelmed with messages of support and thanks from those who attended. The exact figure has not been determined yet but it has been confirmed that thousands of pounds have been raised for the two Carnival Charities. Thanks go out to everyone who attended and helped make the day such an overwhelming success. Carnival organisers will be meeting later in 2009 to commence planning for the next Oundle Carnival – watch this space!

Evening Concert – The Bands Line Up

CARIBBEAN HARMONICS STEEL BAND (from 6.30)

To start the evening off as you arrive for the FREE evening concert, the calypso sounds of our steel band will be playing from 6.30pm for an hour and then again later in the evening in between the other groups. Our band; The Caribbean Harmonics are set to provide a carnival tone to the evening concert by playing various Reggae, Caribbean, Pop and Soca tunes.

THE IDUNOES (7.30)

On the main stage, three local musicians Dave Loseby, Cameron Holmes and Nic Shaw will take over to play a mixture of contemporary modern music. The Idunoes will play a 45 minute set comprising of songs from the likes of the Stone Roses, Blurr & Oasis.

FIVE STRING THING (8.45)

Five String Thing is a dynamic Ceilidh band who play traditionally English dance tunes in an upbeat fashion, with the odd smattering of Irish and Scottish too. The band comprises Jane & Lisa on fiddles, Roger on fiddle & mandolin, Chris on guitar, Hillary on double bass and Pam on Melodian. For those who want to join in, the callers and will talk the dances through so that everyone has a good idea of what the moves are and where they are supposed to be going!

THE PAST MASTERS (10.00)

No strangers to national radio, The Past Masters is local group that has a line-up of guitar, drums, bass and electric keyboard with three singers. Covering a wide range of musical styles, the band’s play list is described as ‘classic rock’; from Eddie Cochran onwards into the 70s. Carnival Concert goers are sure to be in good hands as members of The Past Masters have over the years performed with Ian Dury, Suzy Quattro, Roxy Music and Robert Plant. The bands slogan is: Some say they are the Relics of Rock, but thanks to Radio Two they are “The Past Masters”.

Parade Entries Flood In

As we approach the big day ‘Carnival Fever’ seems to be spreading through the Oundle area. In the last few weeks the Carnival Organisers have received a varied range of parade entries. There are now over 40 entrants that range from floats from local schools to a pink tractor! Parade watchers should be on the lookout for military vehicles, the emergency services, vintage cars, aircraft and perhaps even the odd boat. If you or your group are still thinking about entering the parade then you had better be quick – please visit the ‘Taking Part’ page to get your forms for sending in ASAP.

Firework Display To Seal The Day

After a full day of Carnival exciting activity, it has been confirmed that a firework display will take place towards the end of the FREE evening event at the Rugby Club. The evening of ‘Music & Dancing’ where a selection of local bands will perform will climax in a firework spectacular planned to commence at 10.30pm. The evening event starts at 7.30pm, more details to follow soon.

Carnival Connects with official ‘Radio Partner’

Oundle Carnival organisers recently agreed a sponsorship deal with local radio station Connect FM that broadcast to Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough & Oundle. The Peterborough based radio station, sister station to Lite FM, will be providing on-air coverage before for the event and will take an active part in the day including an entry into the Carnival Parade.

Can You Tug It?

Carnival Events Arena seeks Tug of War Teams

In the Carnival Events Arena at the Rugby Club in the afternoon there will be a traditional Tug of War Competition. Scheduled to start at around 4pm, the competition will be made up of local clubs, groups and businesses. If you think you can raise a team of 8 people to enter then please email call Graham Snelling on 01832 272881 or email him at gsnelling@pwschool.northants.sch.uk to register your entry. NB. A limited number of team entries may be accepted on the day.

Carnival Fun Run Details Released

PACTRAC, the local triathlon club have revealed details of the 5km Fun Run they are organising on the afternoon of Carnival. The run starts and ends at the Rugby Club and will take runners to Glapthorn and past Cotterstock. There will be Children's Fun Runs on the day also, 400m for under 10 years and 1km for under 16 years.

Entries are being now being taken. Those wishing to take part in the 5km run can click to download an Entry Form or Race Information Sheet or check out the route on-line

Dancing & Music Boost

The Carnival organisers recently received confirmation of yet more exciting entries into the Parade. The accomplished Yarwell & Nassington Brass Band have confirmed they will take part as will the St Neots Sentinels Majorettes. It is hoped that both groups will also perform at the afternoon Events Arena from 1.30pm at the Rugby Club fields.

Regi from The Air Ambulance to Appear

As one of the charities being supported by the Oundle Carnival, the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance have now confirmed that they will be taking part in the Carnival Parade. Not only will they be joining the procession with their ‘Air Ambulance On Wheels’ but the organisation’s mascot Regi The Dog (as pictured) will be joining in the Carnival proceedings.

Parade Entry Forms Required NOW!!!

As word spreads of the big day on 20th June, more and more interest is being shown from you, the area’s residents to take part in the big day. If you as an individual, group or organisation are thinking of entering the Carnival Parade then please fill in your entry form NOW before it’s too late. It’s easy to do, you can download a form from this website or pick one up at Smiths at No.4 or Oundle’s Tourist Information. Don’t delay, NOW is the time to act.

Carnival Road Closures

The organisers of the Carnival have successfully applied for two road closure orders to allow for the safe line up and passage of the Carnival Parade. On Saturday 29th June the whole of Milton Road will be closed from around 9am until 1pm and there will be a ‘rolling road block’ that will be in effect when the parade gets underway. Please see the Parade Route Page of this website for more information. You may also SKMBT_C25309042308350.pdf.

Watch The British Lions 1st Test at the Rugby Club

Whilst many kids and families will be occupied by the start of the events and displays come 2pm on Carnival Day, some folk may have an eye on the day’s biggest sporting event – The First Lions Test against South Africa. Oundle Rugby Club will be broadcasting the match (due to kick off at 2pm) at the club house and is inviting Carnival goers to come down and watch it on the large screen.

Have you got an unusual vehicle?

Do you own a vintage car, a modified vehicle, a quirky or unusual motorised form of transport? It appears quite a few residents in the area do, as by popular demand the organisers of the Carnival Parade have added a new category of ‘Special Vehicles’ to the list of parade categories. As long it’s roadworthy then you can enter it.

Just Fit Issue a Carnival Challenge To Their Members

Local Oundle gym, Just Fit have laid down a ‘Charity Challenge’ to their members to help raise funds toward the Carnival Charities. Gym regulars are being asked to compete to see who can complete the following targets the fastest; Bike 10km, Run, 5km, Step 50 Floors and to Row 4,000 meters. Entry Forms are available at Just Fit.

WW2 Carnival Fly Past at 200ft!

It has been confirmed that there will be a low level fly past of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The display team based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire are set to thrill the crowds attending the Carnival Afternoon Event by ‘buzzing’ Oundle at only 200 feet. On show will be the flight’s Lancaster Bomber, a Hurricane and a Spitfire.

Carnival Queen is Crowned

The Carnival Queen was recently selected and crowned at the Oundle Carnival Dance and Crowning organised by The Rotary Club and Inner Wheel Club of Oundle. At the event held in The Great Hall Prince William School 6th Form student Emily Mildren took to the stage to receive her official crown and regalia. Emily was accompanied by Felix Clarke, her official Carnival Consort.
See the Carnival Queen page for more information.

Cubs Move Annual Camp to Ensure Carnival Presence

When the Oundle Cubs heard the date of the Carnival they were thoroughly disappointed as it coincided with their annual Scout Camp. After much discussion and a few phone calls the Second Oundle Scout Group pulled off a coup by managing to change their long held summer camp dates to ensure the Cubs will take a full part in the Carnival Parade and festivities on 20th June.

Oundle Town Council Jump Aboard

The Carnival Committee was very happy to receive official backing from Oundle Town Council for the rejuvenation of the Oundle Carnival. The Town Council also pledged to support the sponsorship efforts by offering financial backing to the tune of £500. The Oundle Town Mayor will play an important part on the day too in judging the all important winners from the different classes of Carnival Parade entrants.

PACTRAC Confirm ‘Carnival Fun Run’

The Peterborough Area Combined Triathlon Club (PACTRAC) have confirmed that they will be organising a 5km fun run to coincide with the afternoon’s Carnival Events. It is hoped that the run will start and finish from the Rugby Club near to the Events Arena.

Carnival Logo Competition Winners

Pupils from local schools in the Oundle catchment area were asked in October to submit entries into a competition to design a logo for the Oundle Carnival. The carnival organisers were deluged by hundreds of responses from local schools from primary level upwards. Three of the entries were singled out as winners from a short list of 20 finalists and the final logo was designed incorporating elements from each of these winning finalists; Ben Amps (Age 11), Madeleine Carter (Age 7) and Kayla Borley (Age12). They will each receive a voucher and all 20 finalists are to be awarded with a carnival t-shirts.

Oundle Carnival Lands Significant Grant Funding

The Oundle Carnival has been successful in applying for grant matched funding from The Welland Trust. The charitable body has pledged almost £15,000 towards the event most of which will go towards purchasing capital items that should ensure that the Oundle Carnival has the basic infrastructure and kit to run as a long term event for the Town.