Summer carnival could return to town

8:30am Thursday 8th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

THORNBURY'S much loved summer carnival could make a return next year following a 13-year absence.

Retired teacher David Goldring has called on the town's business community to help revive the event.

In a letter to the Chamber of Commerce, Mr Goldring urged the organisation to endorse the carnival, claiming it would boost the town's appeal.

He proposes to involve the whole community in the event, which he says would provide a platform for organisations to promote their interests.

Activities he suggests could be at the show include a fun fair, sport competitions, a floral or crafts marquee, a military band, pony rides and other features such as a display of old vehicles.

Mr Goldring described the event as: "A summer event to boost the public awareness of Thornbury, its attractiveness as a shopping and trading area and as a place to live.

"Make it as big as possible, to be something for everyone that no person or organisation wants to miss."

He said the event could be held on the Mundy playing fields on the first or second Saturday of July 2009.

The summer carnival was an annual occasion on the playing fields every year up to 1996 when it was folded, partly down to red tape.

The organisers at the time, Thornbury's Round Table, stopped the event because of a lack of support in the town, increase in expenses and health and safety regulations.

This week, however, Thornbury's Chamber of Commerce members showed early signs of support towards the idea.

Chairman Tim Pearce said: "Yes, it disappeared because of red tape before but now the town is big enough and there is enough of us to cut through that tape and revive the event.

"A carnival is a fantastic opportunity for people to celebrate Thornbury, its thriving community and future.

"I think this is what Thornbury has been waiting for."

The Chamber of Commerce is due to discuss the tabled proposal at its annual general meeting next Tuesday, which is not open to the public.