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Parade

The parade follows the Shirt Race and weaves its way through the village, cheered by many enthusiastic on-lookers, arriving on the Carnival Field about 45 minutes later.

Eynsham Carnival Parade - So you're interested in entering?

Step one - Get Preparing!

You can parade as a community group, business or simply with family, or a group of friends.

There are 7 classes of entrant with prizes and trophies to be won, including Children's, Business, Family and Fancy Dress:

  • Class 1 - John Peachey Shield - Children's including walking groups of 10 or more
  • Class 2 - Annual Challenge Cup - Adults and Family
  • Class 3 - Jokab Safety Trophy - Business and Community Groups
  • Class 4 - Donna Jones Trophy - awarded for outstanding effort to entrants from classes 1-3 in memory of a little girl from Eynsham who suffered from leukaemia and loved Carnival.
  • Class 5 - Fancy Dress Mixed groups 2-9 persons
  • Class 6 - Fancy Dress Children up to 7 years
  • Class 7 - Fancy Dress Children aged 8 and above

You can walk or enter a decorated vehicle. All kinds of vehicle are accepted, be it a motorised float, horse drawn carriage or mobility scooter! If entering or towing a vehicle you must make sure you have the correct insurance for the day.

All participants, motorised or not, must be insured on the day for public liability. If you are a community group you may well find your current insurance covers this but please check.

Going for a fancy dress prize? Pick your own theme. Previous year's entrants have ranged from medieval jousters to Star Wars characters via Ghostbusters, Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. It's up to you!

Step two - Turn up on time

Floats, walking groups and fancy dress entrants assemble in the Back Lane car park in front of the medical centre at 11.45 am, together with any classic vehicles whose owners wish to take part.

Make sure you make yourself known to the carnival officials - in pale blue t-shirts. The judging of the floats and fancy dress takes place at 12 noon.

Step three - Enjoy yourself!

The parade complete with lead car, carnival royalty, Eynsham morris and other groups weaves its way through the village, cheered by many enthusiastic on-lookers, arriving on the Carnival Field about 45 minutes later.

The parade route will be officially closed to traffic from 11am - 2pm. We request if you normally park along the parade route that you park elsewhere for the short duration of the parade.

Once the Floats are on the field and inside the arena, prizes are awarded.

If you'd like more information or to get the small print please email us at