A POPULAR two-day event is set to return to Thornbury after a two year absence due to the pandemic.

Thornbury Carnival will return in July after it was first cancelled in 2020 when the pandemic hit and then after pushing ahead with last years event, the disheartened committee were forced to pull the carnival again when restrictions were extended last summer.

The team said they were 'gutted' to have cancelled a second time but it helped them look on to this years event which will kick off on July 1 with the aptly named ‘Swing in the Park.’

Organisers hope the event will help support the area with the bar and food concessions being provided by local small businesses.

Liam Williams, Chair of Thornbury Carnival Committee said:“Lots of local organisations have had a really tough time in the past couple of years and so we’re delighted to welcome them back to our event as they’ve always been stalwart supporters in the past.”

The committee say they are not in a position to commit to delivering the 'resource-intensive' parade this year and so have made the difficult decision to remove it.

However the team are looking forward to their main event a record-breaking 12 hour showcase that organisers say will have 'something for everyone'

“Thornbury Carnival has always had the potential to increase the entertainment offering to the local community," said Liam.

"This year we’ve worked closely with our suppliers and are really pleased to confirm that we’ll be able to run a second evening’s entertainment to provide something a little bit different.

‘Swing in the Park’ is very much aimed at providing an evening for family and friends to chat and eat over a drink or two, relax and maybe get dancing to the fantastic music provided by the very talented Thornbury Swing Band!”

Northavon Youth Theatre Group will play on the community stage, whilst the main stage will feature a range of professional tribute acts including Dolly Parton, Take That, Little Mix and Queen amongst others.

For more information or to book online tickets go to.Facebook/ThornburyCarnival or visit our website www.thornburycarnival.co.uk.”