ROMSEY'S famous bed race will kickstart the carnival celebrations.

Romsey Carnival is back for the first time since the pandemic begun. Events start on Tuesday, July 12 with the much-loved bed race and children’s fun run.

Then, on Wednesday, July 13, Romsey Comrades Club will host a ‘Very British Mardi Gras’ quiz night. And finally, the Romsey Carnival itself will take over town on Saturday evening led by carnival band the Romsey Old Cadets.

Carnival volunteers are encouraging residents to come to along and support local charities and keep the carnival spirit alive after years of covid interruptions

Chairman of the carnival, John Ray said: “This year’s theme is a very British Romsey jubilee Mardi Gras- like a Rio carnival but with a bit of the jubilee thrown in. Originally it was just going to be Mardi Gras but where so many people still have their jubilee outfits we thought we’d add that on too.

“We’ve already got lots of floats and three bands. Lots of people already signed up so it will be a big event.

“I’m sure whatever event we put on in Romsey that people will come out in their thousands. It’s always been a well-attended event and we just want to raise as much money as possible to give out to local charities.”

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All proceeds raised by donations and quiz entries will be donated to Romsey charities. The more money raised, the more charities the carnival will be able to support.

The carnival dates back to the 1900s, originally organised to raise money for the Romsey hospital which existed before the National Health Service (NHS) took over.

Chairman John has now been involved for around 30 years, with a small team of volunteers who help to make the carnival happen.

John added: “We want to make it one of the best carnivals in the area.”

The bed race is set to start at 6pm on Tuesday starting and finishing in Market Place. New this year is a selection of obstacles including a fire engine water cannon, cream pies and gunge.

The quiz on Wednesday commences at 7.30pm with a maximum of six per team and costing £2 per person.

The carnival will kick off on Saturday starting at Romsey Industrial Estate with a variety of floats, bands and pageant walkers taking part. Judging will begin at 4.30pm whilst the parade take place from 6pm. The summer carnival procession is sponsored by Smith Bradbeers.

Entry to both the carnival parade and the bed race and mini funrun are free.

Organisers are inviting Romsey charities to contact the carnival if they are in need of financial support.

To find out more or get involved visit: romseycarnival.co.uk/.

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