The 2023 Ashington Festival will start with a Carnival parading through the village with colourful carnival floats and walking groups in fancy dress for the occasion. As well as the Medina Marching Band, vintage vehicles, dancers and the Sussex Steel Band will be playing to get everyone in the carnival mood.

This year’s Carnival Princess is 8 year old Ellie Willard. Ellie will lead the Carnival procession at the Ashington Festival on the 19th of August supported by her two Attendants Gracie McChesney-Martin (7) and Zara Henson (6). And her two Pageboys are Sebastian Horner (9) and Robert Marsh (5). The children were all chosen by a lucky draw and attend Ashington C of E School.

The Carnival procession starts at 1.30 and follows a route through Ashington Village to finish on the Recreation Ground. The Festival which follows includes a stage/arena with live acts performing through the afternoon and evening,

In the arena during the afternoon the Festival welcomes Phill Gibbons with his brilliant dog act ‘Little Nipper’s. And back in the arena is ‘The Medina Marching Band’ all the way from the Isle of Wight and there will be a display from ‘Rhythm & Sole Dance,’ and singing popular songs will be “Ladies that Boogie” choir. And we have a performance from the ‘Sussex Steel Band’ and Ashington welcomes back the very popular children’s entertainer ’Tom Foolery’ kindly sponsored by Saxon Weald.

In the evening we welcome to Ashington for the first time ‘More Than a Feeling’ a local band singing and playing songs through the decades.

There will also be a Car Boot Sale, Classic Cars, Fun Dog Show, Funfair rides for all ages,
animals and lots of stalls and sideshows. And in the evening a fantastic firework display at
10pm kindly sponsored by Bellway Homes. Followed by a Disco. We have all types of food
outlets and a licensed bar will be available with a Pimm’s bar.

For details phone Margaret on 01903 892633