Bewdley Carnival turns 100 this year, and it all happens on Saturday 27 June from noon. The first carnival was held in 1926 as a land and river parade, and a century on it has become one of the Wyre Forest’s best-loved days out.
The centenary is a full day of it: a procession of floats, live performances, entertainment and family activities, all starting at midday. As the organising committee put it, reaching 100 years “belongs to every person who has ever volunteered, attended, or supported Bewdley Carnival over the decades.”
It is free to attend. This year’s carnival is sponsored by West Midlands Safari Park, Wyre Forest District Council and Light Ideas Ltd, and there is a centenary raffle with a Safari Lodge stay at West Midlands Safari Park as the prize. Raffle tickets are available online or in cash at the Carnival Tent on the day, and entries close at 4.45pm.
A few practical notes, because the parade closes roads. Trimpley Lane is shut between Habberley Road and Meadow Rise from 10.30am to noon, and during that window anyone leaving Wribbenhall should go out via Queensway. From noon there are rolling closures along the route, taking in Habberley Road, Kidderminster Road, Beales Corner, Bewdley Bridge, Load Street, High Street and Dog Lane, so give yourself a little extra time and park with that in mind.
You can find the full details and timings on the Bewdley Carnival event listing.
A hundred years is no small thing for a town this size to keep going. If you are anywhere near Bewdley on the 27th, come down to the river and be part of it. Worth the trip.
