Hanwell Carnival  2018

Cutbacks meant a smaller parade and festival this year

( Oaklands School Best in parade. All in green as a Grenfell tribute)

Lack of funding and volunteers meant Hanwell Carnival today ( Saturday 16th) was a much - reduced affair.

It moved back into the front section of the park only. For the past 2 years carnival used the back field, always controversial with many not liking it but I certainly felt that a nice “festival” vibe had developed which it’s a shame to lose. Of course; super hot weather and large crowds may revive the health and safety issues in the front field that partly prompted the move to the back field in the first place. Time will tell.

No big snazzy floats on the parade this year but it was still bright and colourful with, as ever, Steve Pound MP joining in and raiding morale.

A different kind of recycling - to make a difference to women's lives - was Zabra  a free bra initiative redistributing undies to women who can’t afford to buy their own. It was very funny seeing 3 of my bras festooned on the railings. (And yes that is a first!) We’ll know how many were collected next week.

( Lexie Morris Best Dressed child )

Hanwell Carnival’s motto is “For the Community by the Community”. 

There was no Community Stage and no Craft Tent (which has always showcased the work of some amazingly talented local artists) If lack of funding dictates only one stage surely SURELY it should be the Community Stage which brings together different nationalitites, ethnic groups  childen, seniors and the differently abled.  I love live music as much as the next chap but there are any number of DJs that could have provided a sound system playing music to entertain the crowds. Or Westside Radio who wanted their own stage ths year but couldn't raise the sponsorship. Their presenters usually host both the  Community and Music stages too giving talented young people valuable work experience (as it does at the Hootie). This year a member of the carnival committee did it.

It was a lovely relaxed atmosphere. All the favourites were there (it’s a bit like Groundhog Day sometimes). Loads for children; petting zoo, donkey rides, fairground, balloons and toys.

A good selection of food, a bar – not run by any local pub though – Hanwell businesses need to get behing this day more. Great to see the Hammersmith Morris Men back, on the parade and doing their stuff around the park. They are so entertaining.

( Hammersmith Morris Men )

I had been looking forward to seing St Benedicts School stands – they’d been planning an ‘Apprentice style’ initiative with 3 teams vying against each other – coming up with business ideas to see who can make the most money . But their teacher Ian Simpson told me none of the teams did enough to attend and they’d have to pull out. “You’re fired!”

Viv Ellis

June 18th 2018