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.

If You Haven't Walked-the-Walk You Never Will

East Curtain Wall - Tonbridge Castle

If you haven't already walked the steep path from the foot of Watergate to the Castle Grounds entrance you never will.  Works to remove the upper path, and reinstate it as an earth structure have already commenced. In future, entrance to the Castle will be via River Walk or Cannon Lawn.  Apparently the path has contributed to severe slippage of the embankment supporting the curtain wall, so the works are necessary to safeguard the structural safety.  An archaeological team are on site just in case anything interesting is unearthed. How exciting!!!! I really hope something is.

So there'll be no more iconic path moments in Tonbridge such as we saw during the summer when Dame Kelly Holmes brought the Olympic flame to the town.  Event advertising banners will have to find an alternative spot, and for all those of us who use it as a test of our fitness levels, including myself, we will be looking for another steep path. I've been walking the pathway since I was a child and I for one will miss it.

Dame Kelly Holmes with the Olympic Flame

Remembrance Sunday in Tonbridge

Tonbridge Memorial Gardens

This year the Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday commemorations coincide on November 11.

There will be one public gathering in the Tonbridge Memorial Gardens, Bradford Street. Those attending are requested to be in the Memorial Garden by 10.50am at the latest to enable the Band, Ceremonial and Civic Party to process at 10.55am.

The substantive Service and Wreath laying will immediately follow the firing of the Maroons at 11am and 11.02am, and will be slightly longer than normal concluding at approximately 11.35am.

The Parade will then form up and follow its normal route past the Town Memorial at the Watergate and dismiss at Tonbridge Castle.

There will not be a service at St Peter and St Paul Parish Church.