Witney Carnival 2025

Musicals

Saturday 12th July 12pm-5pm
The Leys Recreation Ground

Attractions

Funfair, Live Music acts, speciality children’s entertainers, Zorbing for both the kids & grown-ups and of course the famous Toy Towers Express.

Music

Live music will be located by the beer tent with music for all ages.

Food & Drink

Feel free to bring your own picnic to enjoy on the day. A wide range of food and drink vendors will be there… a tea tent with cakes and treats, bars selling Pimms and Real Ale to name but a few!

Craft & Trade

If you run a charity or operate a professional service or sell goods that are appropriate for a Carnival, please consider joining our army of trade and craft stalls.

Sponsored by…

The Carnival has been a highlight of the year in Witney since 1928 when it was first started by the then-British Legion (now Royal British Legion). Originally held on King George’s Recreation Field at Newland, most local firms such as Early’s Blanket Factory and schools would decorate a float for the procession — much the same as today.

Carnival came to a halt after the outbreak of the Second World War but in 1985 it was revived by Witney Lions. After restarting it was more a fete than a carnival and was held at Cogges. As it became more popular, Witney Round Table, Witney Rotary Club and the RAF Air Cadets joined forces to stage the town’s most popular event and entry remains FREE.

Become a Sponsor

Witney Carnival is organised by the local Rotary Club, Lions Club and Royal Air Force Air Cadets. It is only possible to achieve all this because of the generous contributions from local businesses and other supporters.

Become a Trader

If you have a stall or wish to exhibit and would like to join us at the Carnival, remember that our FREE entry means everyone has more money to spend on your stall. Pitches are 5m x 5m with parking for one vehicle behind each stall.

Join the Procession

If you are part of a group, school, or club, or do you have speciality vehicles or do you have a band or a dance group? Please get in touch. You will need Public Liability Insurance and to complete a Risk Assessment to take part.

Witney Lions Club

The Carnival is now the largest community family event in Witney. Who would have thought that the Witney Lions Fun Run and Gala, with a few trade and charity stalls, would grow into Witney Carnival?

Our Club has now achieved 55 years of continuous service to the local community and as members of Lions International, we are part of the largest organisation in the world.

Witney Rotary Club

Our aim is to provide an annual event which is free and which can be enjoyed by the whole family. The Procession is always a colourful attraction and there is lots of entertainment, for all ages, on the Leys. All the profits made from the stalls and other attractions are used to support the local community.

2120 (Witney) Squadron

We are proud to have been involved with the Witney Carnival for many years, supporting the largest free event in the town each year. Come visit us in the Tea Tent where you can enjoy a delicious cream tea, coffee and refreshments and learn more about what we do in the RAF Air Cadets.