Tonbridge Carnival 2013

Carnival Fete on Castle Lawn

Tonbridge town centre will be full of excitement tomorrow when the town’s annual carnival takes to the streets. This year the carnival theme is “That’s Entertainment” so you can expect to see local interpretations of all varieties of entertainment from theatre, cinema, TV and maybe even local radio!

In a break with an almost unbroken custom that has existed over twenty five years, this year's Tonbridge Carnival procession will not be assembling in Brook Street. Instead the carnival floats, classic cars, bands and other groups will gather in the Sovereign Way car parks, close to the Tonbridge Farmers' Market (which will also be up and running at Sovereign Way tomorrow) and then proceed from Avenue du Puy at 12.30 pm along the High Street passed Tonbridge Castle. With a variety of walking groups and motorised float entries, this year’s carnival promises to be bigger and better than ever and will also include the Southern England Marching Band Championship and Morris dancers.

The Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling and Lion President will judge the entries later in the afternoon, on the Castle lawn, and will present shields to the best in each category taking part in the procession.

In addition to the fun of the carnival procession, there will be a Fête on the Castle Lawn and along Castle Walk providing an array of entertainment and fun activities throughout the afternoon including the silver band 2nd Wind who will perform at the Watergate entrance from 11.45am – 12.45 pm.

As usual the show will feature Punch & Judy, Rondo the Clown, children's entertainment area, bungee trampolines, children's rides, a full arena programme presenting local talent, including the Cannon School of Irish Dancing, song and dance by Stagecoach and music from local band Rosewood Drift. And in the tradition of this popular event, there will also be a wide selection of tombolas, raffles and side-shows including the coconut shy, crazy kitchen and other games to test your skill as well as stalls selling cakes, jams, books, toys and jewellery. Hot and cold food, drinks, ice creams and scrumptious cream teas will also be on sale.

The Carnival is organised annually by Tonbridge Lions Club with support from Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council. Proceeds from the day will help local good causes and Lions' charities.

New starting point for this year's carnival procession

A message from Tonbridge Lions who want this year's Carnival crowds in the High Street, and not waiting for the procession on Quarry Hill Road and Railway Approach.

 'In a break with an almost unbroken custom that has existed over twenty five years, this year's Tonbridge Carnival procession, on Sunday 9th June, will not be assembling in Brook Street. 

Instead the carnival floats, classic cars, bands and other groups will gather in the Sovereign Way car parks, close to the Tonbridge Farmers' Market and then proceed from Avenue du Puy at 12.30 p.m.'

Tonbridge Farmers Market

Tonbridge Farmers Market is back in the town next Sunday, November 11, from 9.30am to 1.30pm. Can you believe it will be the eighteenth Farmers Market since it was first set up in Sovereign Way.  Who would have thought it would be the success story it has been, and that has to be because the town was crying out for a good food market.  We have to thank Steve, the Market Manager, for being brave enough to give Tonbridge a chance.

Coffee and Walnut Cake - A favourite of mine!

With over 80 produce and craft stalls booked in already for next Sunday, it is going to be a great market which will be celebrating local cheese. So it's a chance to try before you buy, and they'll be cookery demonstrations featuring cheese in the Market Kitchen.  

The covered Market Eatery has become a monthly meeting place where I meet and catch up with local friends.  We call it our monthly 'eat and meet' and I know that other Tonbridge people take this opportunity too. I have to confess I am slowly working my way through all varieties of cakes, and when I'm done I'll probably start back at the beginning again.

Steve and Jo

Every month the market offers a free stall to a local charity, and on Sunday Epilepsy Action will be there. Stop off and have a chat with them and find out about what they do. They'll also be over at the Angel Centre in the afternoon for a Zumbathon where the money raising will continue. So if you want to burn all those calories off after eating at the Market Eatery you can help a worthy cause too. There's more information on how to join in on www.lovetozumba.co.uk  Last month the market stall holders and customers together raised £1110 for Breast Cancer Care.  So well done Tonbridge. That really was a fantastic effort.