With the princesses of Titchfield chosen, preparations for unique fundraisers for the carnival are well underway – with an orange twist.
Princess Amy Gregory, first attendant Lacey Holdaway, second attendant Maddie Bennett and reserve Georgia Potter were crowned at the 2013 Titchfield Carnival Princess contest.
Titchfield princess (second from left) and her attendants
Now the Titchfield Bonfire Boys Society (TBBS) is preparing fundraisers to raise the £10,000 cash for the carnival to entertain the villagers as it has done for more than a century. These include the Titchfield Tea Cosy Challenge to create a tea cosy from any material to be displayed and on view on carnival day.
This year’s carnival includes a pumpkin festival for families to bring along their specially grown vegetable to roll, put it in wheelbarrow races and get creative with art workshops.
The carnival on October 27 includes the usual bands, street parades and countless colourful costumes as all walks of life take to The Square, West Street and Barry’s Meadows for the family fun day.
The day starts at 12.30pm and includes a number of Pumpkin-themed races – an Obstacle Race, relay, wheelbarrow – and at the end of the evening of events the pumpkins will be lit up during the beacon lighting at 8.30pm.
TBBS chairwoman Kate Scott, who has recently taken over the position, said it had been a part of the village and her family for generations. Her great grandmother and great grandfather proudly walked the route and took part in events that had continued through to the latest family members.
“This year I’m trying to take back some of the old traditions that worked over the years and put a new slant on them and get them to work in a new way,” she said. “We don’t want the carnival to die, so we’ve rammed in the events to make it a fun day.
“The Titchfield Bonfire Boys relies on generous donations and sponsorships from local organisations and businesses, not only to provide the floats, activities and entertainment but the unseen costs of road closures, toilets, security, policing, litter picking, bunting licences and insurances – to name but just a few.”
Fundraising events
June 1
8pm - TBBS Pub Fun Night “locals supporting Locals” at the Wheatsheaf pub. With 50s and 60s music from Titchfield Musician Bob James.
June 30
12.30pm – Bark In The Park. Fun dog show with three sections and 15 classes.
August 3
8.30pm – Sponsored Walk “Titchfield Nite Light Walk”. Walk in fancy dress or a onesie starting at the Horse Shoe Green Bellfield.
August 26
Open Air Music Event with Smalltown and Bob James at West Hill Park School
August 27
Village Cricket Match between the pubs and TBBS at West Hill Park School
October 26
3.30pm – Zombie Walk from Horseshoe in Bellfield to the community centre