PREPARATIONS are complete and the weather forecast is looking hopeful for the annual Shirley Carnival this weekend.
The calendar highlight, which takes place on Saturday (July 7) promises to be the biggest and best yet with a host of arena and audience participation events planned for the eager public.
This year the Carnival will have a Beach Party theme with a Tropical Steel Band, a Limbo dancing competition, and a surfboard competition.
Carnival Chairman, Lion Sophie Lees, said: “Over the 35 years the Lions have been organising the Carnival it’s become an increasingly important event on the community’s calendar and the Lions were always keen to promote local talent by giving them the opportunity to perform at the Carnival.”
Sophie went on to say that there would be a wide variety of performances catering for all tastes.
The event will be opened by Malcolm Stent and will be followed by displays from the Trinidad and Tobago Merrymakers Steel Band, the Shirley Community Gospel Choir, and the Animated Dance Academy.
The very young have not been forgotten as the traditional Punch and Judy get up to their tricks.
Sophie added that the Carnival always has two objectives – to provide a fun filled day for all the family and also to raise money for charity.
She added: “This year we have made a change from raising funds for one large national charity to spreading the proceeds between a number of small local charities and it is hoped that the public of Shirley will turn up in their thousands to support these worthwhile causes”.
Gates open at noon with the programme of events commencing at 12.15pm. Admission prices are held once again at £1 for everyone.
