Set sail for the Houghton Regis carnival

The Houghton Regis Carnival takes place this Saturday (July 7) on the village green, and the theme of this year’s event is ‘Treasure Island’.

There’s plenty for everyone, old and young, to enjoy throughout the day, with the festivities kicking off at 10.30am with the start of the carnival procession from Kings Houghton Middle School in Parkside Drive.

The parade will take in Sundon Road, Hillborough Crescent, Tithe Farm Road and the High Street, reaching the green at approximately 11.45am.

From 10.15am to 11.30am the green will be filled with handsome hounds and perfect pooches for the Central Bedfordshire Canine Trust Dog Show – entry is free at www.centralbedfordshiredogshow.co.uk, or call 01582 873614.

The carnival will be officially opened by the town mayor at 12.30pm, followed by music from the University of Bedfordshire Pipe Band in the arena, and the presentation of carnival trophies and certificates.

The arena will then play host to a display by the Dunstablians Rugby Club Under 8s, Thornhill and Friends Majorettes, a Punch and Judy show, the All Saints Academy Dance Company and a circus skills display and workshop.

There will be plenty of interesting stalls on the green, ranging from arts and crafts and handmade jewellery, to games and activities, a tombola, charity stalls and car boot stalls.

Refreshments will be available pavilion from the Houghton Regis W.I., and entertainment will also include the Shifting Sands Theatre Company, the New Lavender Village folk band, Just Friends jazz group.

Children’s entertainment will include The Pirates, who will need help finding the buried treasure and will be recruiting new crew members. There will also be fairground rides for youngsters, and they can meet Regis the Lion.