Kenilworth Carnival, Saturday 1st July 2017

The day of the dead came to Kenilworth for one day only…


The Chinewrde Carnival Collective presents:

Dead of the Day of the Dead of the day of the Dead of the Day of the…

Picture the scene:

A conversation about that James Bond Film, that scene… and the conversation moves to the fact that the Day of the Dead festival exists but not as portrayed in the film, and in fact the movie is now inspiring a move towards something like that of the film…



Art imitating Life Vs Life imitating Art…



The conversation moves towards a ‘Kenilworth Dead of the Day, I mean Day of the Dead…



Then… members of the collective are very excited, they are carried away with ideas, visuals, and the idea is born…



So, how did we do it?



Step 1:

As usual, we got a group of silly people together (and 1 bossy one) we met up and started drinking tea, and eating biscuits. We had a conversation about the Day of the Dead, James Bond and Kenilworth Carnival.





Step 2:



We met up again, had some more tea, biscuits and flapjacks! And we started deciding on the costumes, lorry and props required for the entry this year.



Step 3:



We downloaded a form from http://www.kenilworthcarnival.org.uk/carnival-day-events/

And filled it in, and conducted a risk assessment



Step 4:

We had a few meetings / socials and we got making the props (VERY BIG PROPS) and we had lots of FUN

Step 5:

We collected our outfits / costumes

(oh and had more FUN)



Step 6:



We prepared We spent A LOT of time putting skeleton’s together!

Step 7:



Friday evening – we finished our costumes, finished our props (and made sure that they could move) and had our chippy tea!

Step 8:



THE DAY

We got up ridiculously early

Had our bacon sandwiches!



The lorry was finished, so we got changed into our costumes, finished any extra make up and got aboard the lorry…

And then, we danced past the judges in all our glory…

FOR IT was CARNIVAL DAY, CARNIVAL DAY C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C- CARNIVAL DAY!!

Oh, yeah – we came 2^nd too! (We were robbed this year! Those flipping Skeleton’s deserved first place all by themselves! Not that I’m a sore loser you understand, but we are going for that trophy in 2018 I can tell you!)

That's a sheet of a different colour!

Kenilworth Carnival 2013

We have had our final meeting, we have sourced our costumes, we had ordered our make-up… we are in the process of sourcing and making our props… we are dyeing the sheets (again!)…. And we have a final track list to our soundtrack – Kenilworth Carnival 2013 here we come.

After a sombre look back at our entry last year, we have returned to our manifesto, and we are bigger, better and slightly more left field – again! The crowds are in for a treat… there’s no pink this year!

If you follow us on twitter, you will be aware of the breadcrumb like clues that have been dropped along the way…
No pink
Dyeing sheets
Animals include 1 monkey, 1 elephant and 1 alligator
Orange balls
Bubbles – lots of
Lots of hot air
A walking stick
And of course there is a character called Barry (but it's not last year’s corgi).

This year’s carnival is Saturday 6^th July, and the procession starts at 1pm, so get your places ready for a bit of a boogie and start donating lots of coppers to an excellent and important cause – Kenilworth Carnival.

For more details about Kenilworth Carnival see their website

www.kenilworthcarnival.org.uk

Let’s make this Carnival a year to remember!!!

 

Hope the Morris Dancers will be partaking this year – it’s not the same without them!

Our Carnival History: the 1980's

After a break between the 1960’s and the beginning of the 1980’s, the ‘Harris Family’ slowly started to get involved in Kenilworth Carnival again. After spectating each year, with their children and enjoying it, it became apparent that they just could not stay out of it!

Meanwhile, a now current member of the Chinewrde Carnival Collective had a go at Kenilworth Carnival Fame too!

The Kenilworth Carnival Queen Float;

Kate, who went onto join the ‘Harris Family’ floats, was chosen to be an attendant on the Kenilworth Carnival Queen Lorry, in (circa) 1981.

Kenilworth Queen Lorry, 1981

Dean, who is now a current member of the Chinewrde Carnival Collective, was chosen to be a page boy on the Kenilworth Carnival Queen Lorry, in (circa) 1985. I am told he was chosen because while the judging was taking place he was calling out and waving to his mum and the audience thought he was cute!



Kenilworth Queen Lorry, circa 1985. Dean is in the front row (right)

Fancy Dress Walkers:

Then In 1986, Fran and Carole asked their daughters if they would like to be in the Carnival that year. They said yes and entered as fancy dress walkers. Kate was Fergie and Louise was Andy entering that year as ‘The Royal Wedding’. This entry did not gain them a cup unfortunately (they were only runner’s up) however, they did manage to get in front of the procession by walking too fast and therefore led the Carnival around the streets right in front of the Carnival Queen Float! The Police on duty that year thought they were cute, so they let them carry on!!

Kate and Louise, 1986

The Harris Family Years:

Then in 1987, the Harris Family decided that they missed being in the Carnival and it was time to revive the family tradition. So Louise entered the Carnival that year with St Barnabas 5^th pack Brownies, as Fancy Dress Walkers comprised of walking Road Signs (they Came first in their class), while the rest of the family entered on a float.

In 1987, the ‘Harris Family’ entered Kenilworth Carnival with their interpretation of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. The group comprised that year of Joan; Carole; Alice; Fran; Tracey; and Kate. The family members were each dressed as the Zombies, (Joan was dressed as a Zombie Michael Jackson) and they performed the Thriller dance routine all the way around the carnival procession. Other members of the wider family supported in their own ways, Louise helped with costume; Jac helped with make-up and props and Ley helped with photography.

Thriller, 1986

In 1988, Louise decided she would rather be with her family than the Brownies and therefore joined the ‘Harris Family’ for their entry as Video Boom, Ley & Jac also joined in that year.

Each family member was a character from a Blockbuster film. Joan was Michael Jackson (From the Bad Video); Carole was Superman; Alice was Rambo; Kate was Madonna (from Who’s that Girl?); Fran was the Bunny Boiler (fatal Attraction); Ley was Indiana Jones; Jac was Freddie Krueger; Tracey was Tina Turner and Louise was one of the wild children (both from the same film Mad Max, Beyond Thunder-dome).

Video Boom, 1988



In 1989, the group entered as the Harris Family Rock Concert. The family members were all dressed like giant boulders / rocks (in huge potato sacks sewn together and painted, with little hats with moss on the top!) and performed ‘Rock music’ on their various instruments. Joan and Kate played guitars; Carole was the singer; Fran and Alice played the Sax and Louise Played the drums.



Rock Concert, 1989

 For more images, see us on facebook.

Carnival Day 2012

Kenilworth Carnival - 2012

The final preparations are in place, props are almost finished, paint is drying, costumes are being ironed, wig’s are being set and final rehearsals are Wednesday evening!

We are getting ready for this year’s Kenilworth Carnival – the 80^th Birthday Carnival!

The Carnival this year starts at 1pm, from Brays car park on Saturday 7^th July.

I have been issuing clues (to help work out our theme) via twitter and facebook in the run up to this week, here are the clues so far:

·         Glitter

·         Pink

·         Silver

·         Our props: Barry & Dave

·         Handbags at the ready

·         Dancing: shake and strike a pose!

·         Ping pong

·         Three jackets have been modified!!

·         Give me a ‘Y’

We have also been raising sponsor money by dancing the whole carnival (within reason, obviously we will have breaks), and will donate this money to the Kenilworth Carnival Committee to help towards the costs of organising the actual Carnival.

Come along to Kenilworth on the day, and support us by donating all your small change for this wonderful event... keep Kenilworth Carnival going for another 80 years at least.

Chinewrde Carnival Collective Profiles: Sarah

Travelling Carnivale, 2009

Growing up in Kenilworth the 1^st Saturday in July meant one thing, peering out of my parent’s bedroom window trying to see what my best friend (Louise) and her family were doing that year in the Carnival. The lorry would arrive and a hive of activity would start from early morning and each year I would crane my neck to see out of the window what fantastic creation would slowly come to life.

Imagine my happiness when I was invited to join the Ugly Bug Ball (The Garden Party), instead of just watching I got to be part of the Carnival. Who knew being a spider could be so much fun!

When Louise decided a few years ago to start entering the Carnival again I didn’t hesitate to join in. That same feeling I had as a child came flooding back, entering the Carnival is like being a child again. You get to be someone else for the day, have fun and be silly all for charity.

Though I was a little unsure at first about being the Bearded Lady in the Travelling Carnivale, I soon forgot any misgivings as the procession started and the crowds cheered. My inner actress came flowing out and I enjoyed every second of it. The following year the Chinewrde carnival Collective was officially born and I am proud to be a member. How else could I ever be a Zombie Queen, a Trumpet Player in a Marching Band and the...

...sorry 2012 is still a secret!

Chinewrde Carnival Collective Profiles: Elicia

Chinewrde Marching Band, 2011 

I used to watch the Carnival with my family, and then enjoy going down the fair afterwards. Then in 2009, I got to watch my Uncle (Dean) on the Travelling Carnivale float, he was a lion tamer and it was so funny!

I joined the Chinewrde Carnival Collective in 2010, for the Zombie Carnival Queens float. I wore a scary phantom mask, which freaked everybody out. This was the first time I had been involved in the Kenilworth carnival.

Last year I got to choose my own character, including her story – this was so much fun!

I was expert baton twirling Chinewrde Marching Band member, Shirley knnott. My baton managed to survive the course, and the crowd seemed enthralled by my twirling antics and so was I! (Sometimes I even forgot to catch the baton – but then that was the point).

The Carnival is great fun, and I still get to go to the fair afterwards.

This year will be my third outing with the Chinewrde Carnival Collective and once again I aim to impress. I get to be very popular character this year and wear a beautiful dress too!

Chinewrde Carnival Collective Profiles: Dennis

As Brutus, the world's strongest man!

I spent my childhood watching Kenilworth Carnival, and during the late 1950’s I was fortunate to be involved in the Dudley Road floats. We took our own children to watch the Carnival, and off to the fair afterwards, one way or another I supported this long held Kenilworth tradition.

For a few years, not so long ago, I supported my partner Carole each year that she was in Kenilworth Carnival – it was my job to be in the crowd with refreshments at a strategic point.

Later on, before her bypass I would also walk alongside her to ensure she made it around the procession safely.

But In 2009, it was proving difficult to keep Carole out of the Carnival, so her daughter organised a lorry, (the Travelling Carnivale) and I was happy to be part of it. I chose my own character, found my costume, grew a very stylish moustache, made some weights and became Brutus the world’s strongest man! It was a lot of fun.

In 2010 my son and I joined the cottage Inn Carnival float Charile and the Chocolate Factory, I enjoyed spending the Carnival with him that year.

I joined the Chinewrde Carnival Collective in 2011 as part of the Chinewrde marching band. I had the very important job of pushing Carole around (the procession in a wheel chair).

I already have my costume for this year’s theme, and I think people might be surprised at my choice of character! I am looking forward to having a good laugh this year - as always.

Chinewrde Carnival Collective Profiles: Dean

Zombie Carnival Queens, 2010

My Kenilworth Carnival debut was as a page boy on the Kenilworth Carnival Queen lorry (circa 1985 – the half penny was in circulation back then). I managed to bag the spot by waving at people and smiling innocently, at the auditions. After a long day on the float, I then cleared the lorry of the remaining uncollected coins and promptly blew the lot at the fair - I had a marvellous time! Unfortunately, the Chinewrde Carnival Collective won’t allow me to do this, so your donations are safe!

My next Carnival outing was as Claude the Lion Tamer in the ‘Travelling Carnivale, Circa 1932’ with friends in 2009. The lorry was a lot smaller than anticipated and I really did not get to use my whip as much as I would have liked; I still managed to break the whip, but the busted lion was definitely not down to me!

I, like the rest of the group, joined the Chinerwde Carnival Collective in 2010, and this year was my personal favourite lorry - The Zombie Carnival Queens. I think we subtly called the lorry ‘Past Queens’, so that the full shock and horror could be realised on the day itself. The crowd seemed to love it. I didn’t quite get my dress right for this float, as it didn’t exactly cover my hairy legs when I was sat down - maybe it all added to the effect? Most unsettling was when one spectator winked at me, I can’t say I find Zombie’s that attractive myself but each to their own.

The following year we did the Chinewrde Marching Band. This one was immense fun, just like the inflatable breasts that I wore on the day, which started to get slightly uncomfortable as the day progressed. The only disappointment I had for this one was that I was meant to at least get some notes right on my clarinet, this proved impossible after I knocked and damaged the reed before we set off; the only noise my instrument seemed to make was a really unpleasant screech. I am sorry for that, Kenilworth.

Now for 2012, all I will say is that I am never making a hat again!

Chinewrde Carnival Collective Profiles: Ley

As Stixx Mallone in the Chinewrde Marching Band, 2011

My Family have been in Kenilworth Carnival for approx. 50 years. For several years we entered family floats (the ‘Harris Family’) and won several prizes. Then a few members entered as fancy dress walkers, so combined we have quite a few trophy’s.

During the years entering the Carnival, I have been a violin player in a classical band, a jiving army officer, a zombie page boy, and Indiana Jones! Worryingly there is a common denominator in most of the characters I play - I cross dress as a male!

In 2010 we formed the Chinewrde Carnival Collective, and I love the argumentative meetings we have where we decide a theme, then all the rehearsals.

The actual Carnival day is the biggest buzz of all, rushing around and wondering: have we got the time to dress the lorry? Will the music be loud enough? What if we fall of the lorry? Then the rush of thinking will we get a trophy? Have we won in our class? Where shall we display the cup if we are lucky enough – which we have been in the past!

Chinewrde Carnival Collective Profiles: Louise

Zombie Carnival Queens, 2010

As a child, I watched Kenilworth Carnival with my Mum and went to the fair for my yearly goldfish afterwards. I loved watching the Carnival, and my Mum would regale me with stories of when she used to be in the Carnival with her family and her friends.

In 1986, my Mum and Aunt asked my cousin (Kate) and me if we would like to be in the Carnival that year – we both excitedly said yes! Kate and I entered as fancy dress walkers and we were ‘the Royal Family’ that year, I was Prince Andrew and Kate was Fergie, It was so much fun!

In 1987, I was a ‘GO’ road sign with the Brownies (another year of being a Fancy dress walker) but in 1988, I joined my Mum and other members of our family on a float and was part of the ‘Harris Family’ floats between the years 1988-1995.

After the ‘Harris Family’ floats ceased (approx. 1995) I helped and supported my Mum (Carole) with her entry each year. I made sure she had a refreshment or sandwich when she got to a certain point of the procession, I took photos of the rest of the Carnival for her, and I helped her make her costumes and props when she asked.

I missed being in the Carnival, and each Carnival day would come around and I would feel a little down at the prospect at being just a spectator. I know that the spectator’s role is an important one, and we need the crowds to line the streets, and spectating is still a way to support this wonderful annual event – but it was not the same for me.

In 2009, Mum was recuperating from a heart bypass and it was proving difficult for me to try and keep her out of the Carnival! It was obvious that she was unable to be a fancy dress walker again now as she would not be able to walk the entire procession. I realised that I needed to put her on a lorry if I wanted her to be safe. So that year I asked some of the family members (from the ‘Harris Family’ years); my partner, and a couple of my friends if they would like to be in the Carnival – they all said yes.  So, in 2009 as a family & friends group we were ‘The Travelling Carnivale, Circa 1932’

After the fun of the travelling carnival our group realised how much we enjoyed it. For those of us who had been part of the ‘Harris Family’ we wanted to be in the Carnival as a group again, so we formed the Chinewrde Carnival Collective (2010) and entered as Zombie Carnival Queens!

Last year we (the Chinewrde Carnival Collective) entered Kenilworth Carnival as the Chinewrde Marching Band, fooling a few people into thinking we were a real (terrible) band – it was so enjoyable! We are currently working on this years Carnival and having so much fun rehearsing.

Chinewrde Carnival Collective Profiles: Carole

I have been entering Kenilworth Carnival since I was a child. My first Carnival was in the 1950’s as a young child. In these early years I was on the ‘Arthur Street’ floats and have been Andi Pandi; the Queen of Hearts and as a child on ‘the old woman who lived in a shoe’.

During 1960’s, I entered the Carnival as a fancy dress walker for Mike’s Bikes and also in a different year, entered with a friend as ‘Safety Pins Buttons and Bows’.

During the 1980’s, my family entered the carnival as a group called ‘the Harris Family’. During these years I have been a Zombie; Superman; a butterfly; a ‘rock musician’; a classical musician and one of Glenn Millers groupies!

In approx. 1995, the Harris Family Floats ceased, and from then on until 2008, I entered the Carnival as a fancy dress walker, either on my own or with my sisters. During this period, having been in the Carnival for so many years, I was awarded with a high recommendation certificate.

I enjoy coming up with ideas for the Carnival, making costumes, making props, dressing up and of course I really enjoy the actual day itself. I do not think I could miss being in the carnival unless it is unavoidable.

After recovering from a heart bypass I became aware that I would not be able to be a fancy dress walker and walk the whole procession anymore, and therefore I need to be on a lorry or other mode of transport. In 2009, my daughter organised a lorry with some of our friends and family so that I could be in the Carnival that year, and we did the Travelling Carnivale, circa 1932 – I was a fortune teller!

After the Carnival in 2009, we realised that we all enjoy it so much that we would enter again the following year. We formed the Chinewrde Carnival Collective in 2010 and were the Zombie Carnival Queens. Last year we were the Chinewrde Marching Band and had such a laugh! I am now working on my costume for this year.



Being in The Carnival!

Being in the carnival

My family has a long tradition of entering Kenilworth Carnival and as I grew up I was part of the procession myself. Groups who entered the Carnival (as I was growing up) included:

·         Local Businesses; Pubs; Shops

·         Schools; Brownies;  Girl Guides; Cubs; Scouts

·         Streets;  Families; Friends

·         Theatre Groups etc

Before I was born my family were on floats within street groupings, or in pairs walking in fancy dress. During my early years I was in the Carnival with my cousin and then the following year I was with the Brownies.

In 1988 I joined in with my family as part of ‘the Harris family’ group and we were usually on a float. The Harris family ‘disbanded’ in approx. 1997 and after that a few of the members (my mum and aunties) continued to enter as fancy dress walkers, but I didn’t re-enter again until 2009 – although I made sure I still watched each year to offer support.

Over the years the Carnival has decreased in size and other blows have come to knock the day,

·         An increase in health & safety legislation - thus making it more difficult to enter into the carnival

·          Rumours that the fair will not be coming to the Abbey Fields anymore

·         And even more worryingly rumours that the lorry sponsorship may end (for the actual floats) or that there may be a fee

·         The Godiva Festival being on at the same time as our Carnival in recent years

·         A changed time for this years Carnival, and less marketing for the Carnival in the past few years.

Many local carnivals have ceased, I would hate for Kenilworth’s to go the same way. It is a shame that the audience attending the day has decreased and more worryingly the procession has decreased in size too. Less people are putting floats together with their neighbours, families, friends and other groups that they belong to, meaning that there are less floats as well as fewer fancy dress walkers.

To be part of the day is great fun! And it is easy to get involved. Kenilworth’s annual Carnival takes place on the first Saturday of July each year (this year’s Carnival is Saturday 2^nd July).  Anyone can take part in the Carnival either by entering a float or by walking the route in fancy dress. Any mode of transport can be entered for the procession. There are several classes, each is judged. A prize is awarded for the best entry in each class. For further details use the link for the ‘Kenilworth Carnival Committee’ or contact Anne on 07737518386 or email annebrough@ntlworld.com

Also, there is the opportunity to have a stall on the Abbey Fields to sell stuff, for more details and to make a booking in order to be involved, email lizmea@ntlworld.com

The first stirrings of The Chinewrde Carnival Collective

In 2009 my mum was recuperating after a heart bypass but did not want to miss out on being in the Carnival.  It would have been uncomfortable for her to be pushed around in a wheelchair; so I decided to get a few family members and a couple of friends together on a float for old times sake. This would keep mum in the Carnival and also help keep the Carnival tradition going. That year we quickly came up with the theme of an old fashioned 1930’s Travelling Carnivale troupe and we won first prize in our class – Hooray!! After a fantastic time making the props and costumes; installing the lorry (float) on the day; getting posters done and various other exciting Carnival related necessities we realised how much we missed it. So we came back together in 2010, with a name – The Chinewrde Carnival Collective and a manifesto!

The Carnival is an important part of Kenilworth and its heritage; it needs to continue into the future. The Carnival is important to my mum, and other members of my family; it is important to my friends and to me. Kenilworth Carnival raises money for charity and it is a legacy which has been in place for a very long time.

Kenilworth Carnival needs entrants in the procession, but it also needs an audience. So please get your creative hat’s on and enter into the Carnival, and if that’s not for you just come along and enjoy the day!

Memories of Kenilworth Carnival

The origins of Kenilworth Carnival are really interesting, it is generally agreed to have ‘started’ in 1926, developing from an earlier fund raising event (approx. 40 years older). The original fund raising event was a way of donating funds to Warneford Hospital in Leamington. In 1925 there were two parades, both with different fund raising goals and although these were not linked at the time, it is possible that these two parades sparked what was to become the procession part of The Kenilworth Carnival. The afternoon / evening during the 1926 Carnival included dancing in the Abbey Fields to a band; the following year permission to use Abbey Fields for a fair on carnival Day was granted, and in 1928 cars were allowed to park in the Abbey Fields and the attendance at the fair exceeded the population of the town. Also in 1928, another tradition of the Carnival was started - having a Carnival Queen. The first Carnival Queen was actually from Coventry (which caused a little controversy) however, the following year we had our first Kenilworth Carnival Queen from Kenilworth.

Started by very generous people in the town approximately 122 years ago; changed and developed along the way; with a different charity to collect for - Kenilworth Carnival is a great tradition, one which has been going for years, and I hope it never dies out.

Having lived in Kenilworth all my life, I have seen a fair few Carnival processions; seen the choosing of the Carnival Queen many a time; been to the fair a lot; and even been an entrant with Brownies, family and friends. My memories of Kenilworth Carnival are of a vibrant and noisy procession through the streets of Kenilworth for a day during the summer, followed by fun at the fair.

As a child, I remember sitting on the hill watching the procession go by and I remember being scared to death by the ‘cowboy’ who would fire his guns into the air - I would hide behind my mum! We would watch as lorries (floats) would be slowly driving up Rosemary Hill with weird and wonderful displays on them and we would hurl pennies and two pence’s onto the bed of the floats in order to help raise funds for charity. There were plenty of fancy dress walkers in between the floats, dressed as characters from popular culture, or from individual imaginations.

After the procession we would go down to the Abbey Fields and have a go on some of the rides at the fair, we would win prizes on the hook a duck and various other stalls and I would be so happy when my mum would win me my yearly goldfish. We would walk home past all the other kids in the street picking up the mislaid coins off the ground, knowing that this money would be used down the fair later on that night.

For further reading on the carnival history:
( http://victorian.reuna.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11&Itemid=14 )