The Carnival in 2007 was fantastic!
Don't forget to put next year's date in Your diary

SEPTEMBER 6th 2008

To see more pictures from 2006 and previous years check the Gallery page

Wem Carnival is traditionally held on the first Saturday in September - and attracts thousands of visitors to our small north Shropshire market town. If you have been before you will know you want to come again and if not then don't miss this great family day out.

Carnival Queen and attendants 2007

The Wem Carnival is a celebration of the community spirit of the town, and unites all generations in a day of fun, music, dance and laughter.

It has a Carnival Gala held at The Butler Sports Centre, Bowensfield, Wem. Gates open at 11.00am and admission is £2 Adults, £1 children and senior citizens, £5 Family Ticket (2 Adults max 3 children). We hold 2 Fantastic Parades the afternoon parade begins at 1.30pm and the evening illuminated parade begins at 7.45pm.
Please note roads into the town close at 1.00pm and 7.15pm.

In addition there is a huge travelling funfair on the Recreation Ground, entertainment and hospitality in many of the towns Public Houses, and a warm friendly welcome for visitors in the shops and cafes.

The Gala
The Wem Carnival Gala acts as a fund raising opportunity for local and national Charities, it also features arena acts, that this year will include:

* Oldham Scottishg Pipe Band
* Ideal New Orleans Parade Band
* Wem Jubilee Band
* The Royal Premiaires
* Nottingham Tartanaires
* Newtown Youth Marching Corp
* Wings of Isis Belly Dancers

There are also dance troupe displays and competitions, a funfair, craft marquee, trade and car boot stands and much more besides.

The Gala begins at 11:30am on Carnival Day at the Butler Sports Centre.

The Parade
We claim our two Parades are second to none in Shropshire, made special by the efforts of the many fancy dress participants and the fantastic floats. Add to these several Marching Bands, numerous colourful Dance Troupes, Military Vehicles, Vintage Classic Motorcycles, and the great guys from Wem Fire Service, and we produce a mile long snake of free entertainment winding its way through our town.

Parades at 1.30pm and 7.45pm.
The Parade Route Bowensfield (start) Summerfield Rd, Station Rd, Aston Street, High Street, Lowe Hill Rd ,Thomas Adams School Lowe Hill Rd entrance (finish). Parade Participants
include -
Wem Fire Service, Wem Mayor, Wem Carnival Queen, Marching Bands, Decorated Floats and Cars, Walking Fancy Dress, Military Vehicles and Motorcycles and Dance Troupes.

The Judging of Floats and Walking Fancy Dress takes place during the Parades. Floats along the High Street, Walking Fancy Dress by Wem Fire Station.

History of Wem Carnival
The Carnival was first held in 1911, used as a way in which to commemorate the Coronation of King George V. That procession consisted of the members of Wem TT Band, the local Scouts troupe, members of the U.D.C. masters and pupils of the near-by Grammar School, British School and National School, the Friendly Societies (in their full regalia, including their banners) and the areas parishioners and townsfolk in fancy dress. This was followed by sports events and a dance on the Castle Field, and entertainment at the Cricket Pavilion. The evening consisted of a procession, which was by torchlight, and a Cycle Carnival.

From that day to the present, interest in the Carnival itself has meandered, some years fully focused on it others it was neglected completely. Through wartime and the 60s its popularity sunk for obvious reasons, but was revised fruitfully in 1978 - and has continued every year subsequently, with the original format of the 1911 Carnival still in use to this day.