Issue 501 – Return of Westbury Carnival?

PLANS to bring a Carnival back to Westbury are in the pipeline following moves by town councillor Stephen Miles. Cllr Miles wants townspeople to come forward with ideas and offers of help to put a Carnival on the town calendar once more.

“I think a Carnival in Westbury would help lift the profile of the town and give people a big entertainment event to look forward to and take part in,” he said. “It will also be a means of helping to increase charity giving.”
Trowbridge Carnival has now moved from its date in early September to October and Stephen Miles believes that Westbury should take the September slot, beginning in September 2011.
 Local carnivals, including Trowbridge, are part of the Wessex Circuit of Carnivals. “I have contacted the Wessex Circuit and they have said that they will give me as much help as possible in getting this going.” said Stephen Miles. “Initially we need to form a committee of about five or six people.
“I would like to hear from anyone who would be willing to get involved – there’s a lot of work to be done!
“I also plan to go before the general purposes committee of the town council on June 7th to formally present my proposal.”
Anyone who would like to be part of a new Carnival initiative in Westbury can contact Stephen Miles on 01373 859 578 or 07890029503, or stephenmiles18@aol.com
Westbury has not seen a carnival along its streets since the 1990s. Michelle Slade, former manager of the town’s tourist information centre and later town councillor, organised three Westbury Carnivals during the decade.
“The carnivals were really popular with hundreds of people turning out to watch the procession, which set off from the town football ground,” said Michelle. “We had floats and majorettes, but people could also dress up and take part by walking in the procession. One year, I managed to arrange for a piper to lead the procession.
“It is important to get a good committee together and involve as many schools and groups as possible. It is a good thing for the town and I hope it will be successful in Westbury again.”