Events and Competitions

For a chance to be a part of the 2024 Carnival Royalty you must write a short poem based on this year's carnival theme ‘Surfing the Seven Seas’ and record a video of yourself reading the poem and send it to us at crowthorneroyaltycompetition@gmail.com along with an entry form and written copy of your poem.  Your video must also contain your name and age. The deadline for Round 1 entries is the 24th March 2024.

All entrants will receive a letter, either inviting them to take part in Round 2 or explaining that unfortunately this year was not their year.

A small number of contestants will be invited back to participate in Round 2 (Sunday 14th April) where they will take part in a short activity, have a chat and answer some questions with our 4 wonderful judges. The children will also be asked to read their poems aloud in front of the Judges and fellow contestants. A decision will be made on the day and the winner and runners up will be crowned.

To enter the competition, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must live or attend a school in Crowthorne or Sandhurst.

2. Be between 7 and 12 years old on procession day (6th July 2024)

3. You must be available for Round 2 on the 14th April 2024 and all the events that the winner and runners up are required to attend during carnival week, 6th – 14th July 2024.

4. A parent or Guardian must sign the entry form and be present for Round 2.

The Role of the Carnival Royalty is very important, not only will you lead the carnival procession you will attend multiple events during carnival week, your photo and poem will be published in the carnival programme, you will help present prizes on carnival day and read your poems to the whole of Crowthorne! You will also be given outfits to keep and be presented with gifts to remember your day.

Please be aware that this competition is no longer run in the pageant style it used to and the judges will be looking at their personality and confidence.

Click here for entry forms

The aim of the Carnival is to foster community spirit and the Colourful Crowthorne (previously known as the Front Garden Competition) and Scarecrow competitions are an integral part of that aim.

A cared for front garden, hanging basket, window box or pot, whatever the size or shape, a colourful display encourages passers by to stop and chat and hopefully become interested in improving their own front areas.  This also applies to commercial premises and there is a category for you too.

Again for this Carnival we have added a bit more fun and interest by the addition of a scarecrow section in the hope of fostering more “chatability”.  Both events are meant to be fun.

No garden but do have a doorstep, path or parking area, then the scarecrow is for you.  A scarecrow can be of any size but should reflect the Carnival theme “Surfing the Seven Seas”.  Scarecrows will be judged on the use of sustainable and recycled materials, it’s relevance to the Carnival theme and does it make you laugh.

We are not looking for horticultural or craft excellence, just gardens etc and scarecrows that enhance their local neighbourhood, impact on their street scene and develop community pride and engagement. 

In addition to these competitions there will also be a Fruit and Veg show.

As the days grow longer and, hopefully, drier and warmer now is the time to plan ahead and think about what to you might want to sow or plant.

Further details are available from the associated events team 

Key facts:

Deadline for entries: 25 June

Judging takes place week commencing: 30 June. The judges will not enter on to the property, so whichever you enter and of course you could do both, it must be visible from the footpath. 

Winners announced at the Carnival Fete on 6 July.

Click here for entry forms

The aim of the Carnival is to foster community spirit and the shop window competition is an integral part of that aim.  This is your chance to make your shop a beacon for the great work you do every day for our village.  You can show how much you care for your customers and have fun doing it.

Further details are available by emailing the associated events team 

Key facts:

Deadline for entries: 28 June

Judging: 4 July.  Judges will not enter your premises.  The goal is to make what they see a showstopper!  

Winners announced at the Carnival Fete on 6 July.

Click here for entry forms

No experience necessary as our experienced callers will keep you on track throughout.

The dancing is suitable for adults and accompanied children, provided they are old enough to follow instructions.

You don’t need to bring a partner as there will be plenty of other dancers to invite you onto the floor. This will be a great opportunity to make new friends and to discover a new hobby.

You will be dancing to live music provided by members of The Craigievar Ceilidh Band who famously played the music for the Scottish wedding in the 1994 Richard Curtis film “Four Weddings and a Funeral”.

There will be a break half way through the dancing when Dopsons will be providing the opportunity to purchase food.  Refreshments will be available all evening.

For the dancing, please wear light, soft footwear (trainers are fine). However if you have flat dancing shoes these would be even better.

Venue -  Edgbarrow School Hall.

Tickets - Adult £10; Family £25 (2 adults/2 children) available in advance or on the door.

Timing - Dancing from 6.30-7.30pm

               Break from 7.30-8.30pm

               Dancing from 8.30-9.30pm

      The Carnival Raffle draw will take place at 9:30pm.

There will also be a bar available.