Acton Carnival preparations
Now in its 13th year of its current manifestation, there has however been an Acton Carnival for well over 100 years. This years theme is ‘Acton old town – new town’, which is an opportunity to reflect on the history of the event and its meaning for Acton people of old and new.
The earliest Acton Carnivals also attracted thousands of people who lined the streets to see the costumes and hear the bands play as they took the same route through the High Street as they do today. In those days, the carnival raised funds for worthy causes notably the Acton Hospital.
Today, preparations are well underway for this years Acton Carnival on Saturday 9th July. Costumes are being created, music rehearsed and dances prepared for what is an important date in the community calendar. This has become a family celebratory event that brings diverse communities together to showcase and celebrate together. The Carnival procession leaves Woodlands Park at 12 noon and travels down Acton High Street and into Acton Park. Here celebrations continue until 7pm with delicious food from around the globe, activities for all the family, the Old Skool Tent, community stalls, funfair, main stage entertainment and much more.
Organised by Acton Arts Forum, the Acton Carnival Committee and Ealing Council Events, supported by Acton Gardens and Acton Ward Forums, Acton Carnival continues to provide a focus for unity in the community. The next planning meeting will take place on Wednesday 15th June at 6pm at Oaktree Community Centre (Osborne Road, Acton, W3 8SJ) to which all are welcome.
It’s YOUR Carnival. If you’d like to get involved either joining the procession, having a stall or stewarding, call 020 8993 6158 or email rachel@actonforum.org