Huge Success For Hanwell Carnival

Thousands turn out to enjoy traditional parade and fun in park

( photos courtesy Paul James)

Thousands of people enjoyed all the fun of the fair at Hanwell Carnival on Saturday (18th June).

Some 250 people took part in the procession from Hanwell Community Centre to Elthorne Park. This year’s theme was Fairytale of Hanwell, featuring many recognisable characters. The floats were colourfully decorated with the “Hanwell and Gretel” candy house standing out - it was entirely made from recycled materials.

Fortunately the rain stayed away and Elthorne Park was packed with people enjoying the dog show, animal zone, fairground rides, a huge variety of stalls and various sports on offer.

For the first time, the music and community stages, and most of the beer and food stalls were located in the field at the back of the park. Many carnival-goers remarked that it felt like a “mini-Glastonbury”.

Mike Gahan, carnival chairman, said: “We made a few changes at carnival this year, mainly because Balfour Beatty took a slice of the park for their compound as they expand Elthorne Park School.

“We moved the stages and food stalls out into the back field. A leap in the dark for us, but people loved it! There was much more of a festival feel out there, and I certainly think we will do this in the future.

“We had a great parade, with some spectacular floats and costumes, from three schools, cub scouts, and many community groups. And the rain stayed away. Another great carnival for Hanwellians everywhere!”

Gayle Cope, Elthorne Park Road, 42, was watching the dog show and having some lunch with her family.

"I just think it's nice to be able to walk somewhere," she said. "It's got a real community vibe and it's nice that when you walk about you see lots of people you know . The kids look forward to it every year and there's something for every age group.

"We did the crocodile show and all three kids were fascinated."

John Adigun, 43, and his three-year-old daughter Bethany have just moved to the area, so it was their first carnival.

"We have had a great time. I have liked the atmosphere. My daughter has been on the bouncy castle, got a balloon and we've had our picture taken with the mayor." 

Sinead Molloy, 35, who is the assistant head of St Joseph's Primary School in Hanwell, was at carnival with her husband and two children. They also brought their dog along but she said he was "too shy" to take part in the dog show. 

"I like the charity stalls, that you can go and support local charities and get to know all about them," she said. "I found two new ones this year."

Mrs Molloy added that as Brentford fans, they were very pleased to see them running the sports zone at carnival this year. "More Bees please," she added.

Ealing Mayor Cllr Dr Patricia Walker with Ealing North MP, Steve Pound

Hanwell Carnival is run entirely by volunteers and Ealing North MP Steve Pound - who has been attending the event for around forty years says it's an incredible feat highlighting the best of community .

'' This is a community carnival, we the Hanwell people have actually made this, which is why we have ownership of it, which is why it is so brilliant. Everybody feels they are part of the carnival, the carnival is part of them and the carnival is part of Hanwell. It may have been running continually for 55 years but in actual fact it's being going for 100 years - long may it continue to flourish.''

Have a look at some more great photos from Paul James here

And Hanwell Carnival Facebook page is here

22nd June 2016