Carnival week gets underway in Sway with a busy programme of scarecrow trails, garage sales, fetes, and theatre

CARNIVAL week is getting underway in Sway with a busy programme of scarecrow trails, garage sales, fetes, and theatre all dreamed up to get the village together.

Extending over 10 days, ‘carnival week’ is set to feature more than 20 activities which lead up to a procession and party on Jubilee Fields on Saturday 12th July.

This year’s circus theme will see householders invited to join the fun with a scarecrow and garden decoration trail starting on Friday and continuing for the carnival week duration.

The fun will start with a community talent show taking place at 5.30pm in the village hall.

On Saturday, the popular fete and dog show will return to Jubilee Fields from 11am to 3pm, with children’s fun runs at 11.15am and 11.30am, and Maypole dancing at midday.

Villagers will then have a chance to enjoy live music from Neon Rhythm in the Hare and Hounds pub from 4pm to 6pm.

Meanwhile Sway Drama Club will present a brand-new family friendly musical adventure, Famous Five go to the Circus, conceived by village resident Simon Hanney. The show will be on stage in the village hall for two performances; 7pm on Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.

Spudworks will host a family fun craft afternoon from 1pm to 3pm, or those looking for a more relaxing afternoon can head to The Manor at Sway from 3pm for Jazz on the Lawn with the Sarah Boulter quartet..

On Monday 7th July the popular Beetle Drive will be at the village hall from 6.30pm, and on Tuesday 8th there will be a children’s disco at the village hall at 5pm, followed by a quiz night at the Hare and Hounds from 8pm.

On Wednesday 9th July, Birchy Hill will host an afternoon cream tea with live music from 3pm, and kids karaoke and live music from Jus Jammin’ will combine with a a barbecue at the Silver Hind from 5pm on Thursday 10th July. Families can also join a village treasure hunt starting from the Silver Hind between 5.30pm and 7pm.

A wine and cheese evening will be held at St Luke’s Church together with an auction of promises from 6.45pm on Friday 11th July.

And on Saturday 12th July, a village garage sale will be taking place at various locations around Sway from 8.30am.

The grand carnival procession will then assemble for judging at Stanford Rise by the village hall at 4.15pm on Saturday, before setting off on a route through the village towards Jubilee Fields. Later from 5pm there will be a barn dance with music, food and a bar.

A scarecrow trail will be taking place throughout the week, with maps available from Sway News.

The celebrations will conclude on Sunday 13th July with a litter pick of Jubilee Fields at 9.45am, followed by boules at Sway Place at 1.45pm and a grand draw at 4pm. More details of the carnival programme can be viewed on the Sway Carnival Facebook page or at www.swayvillage.co.uk/Carnival