The Saffron Walden Carnival
18.11.11
The very first carnival was held in Saffron Walden in 1958 and it then took place on a yearly basis until 1961. The Round Table resumed the carnival tradition in 1969 when it was decided to run it every three years instead, when it is a highlight of the town calendar. Saffron Walden Round Table Carnival is the biggest in Europe and the procession is second largest in the UK to Notting Hill. The carnival is entirely organized and run by a team of volunteers, many giving up countless hours in the weeks and months preceding the event, and for the eight days while it runs. During the carnival the Round Table is ably supported by the Ladies Circle, who run their own events during carnival week and assist, giving extra help in the marquee.
The Round Table currently has 26 members with a carnival committee of nine. So when you’re dancing the night away this year spare a thought for those volunteers who have taken time off from their normal working jobs, and are either unpaid or using their annual leave to make it happen. Tablers and Ladies of the Circle we salute you!
Top Ten Carnival Facts
- 222 barrels of beer drunk in 2008
- On average 50 volunteers working each night
- It takes 18 months to plan.
- 80 floats in 2008, expecting to have more in 2011
- Will fill two industrial skips with rubbish
- 16 acts
- 6,500 tickets sold
- 12 carnival sponsors
- £65,000 raised in 2008
- This is the 15th carnival run by the Round Table
Read interviews with:
- Jason Thompson
- Nick Head
- Andrew Gilliar
- Stephen Woodard
- Ian Mercer
- Claire Croft
- Adrian Green
- Ben Daw
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Jason Thompson (39), Carnival Chairman
How long have you been a member of the Round Table?
Six years, this year.
Why did you join?
To be involved with a group of guys who put something back into the community and have fun on the way. What is your specialist carnival skill? At the last carnival I was the Health & Safety licencing man and ended up writing a 200plus page management policy and getting all the policies and procedures in place. I had never done this before but because I was a fire officer apparently that made me qualified.
This year is partly that but I’m also managing the team and making sure all things happen. And as a friend to all involved as there are long days and nights and weekends that are given up by the members to make sure this event happens!
What was your best ever carnival night?
The corporate night with the laser show and the Sirens playing was an amazing experience, otherwise it was the final night with a maximum capacity and everyone one in the marquee having fun, and the appreciation that we DO make things happen in the community.
What are you looking forward to in this carnival?
I'm looking forward to it being a success that the community is proud to be a part of and if we make money on the way then that is a bonus back into the community.
Who would be your dream carnival act?
Robbie Williams; I think he is an amazing artist. Why do you do it? That is a question I’m asking myself a lot lately! I think it is the fact that a bunch of friends can work together to make sure we put on an event that is remembered. Also to support the community and want to be part of it, that’s special.
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Nick Head (35), Events
How long have you been in the Round Table?
First joined in 1993, left in1999 before rejoining in 2003.
What is your specialist carnival skill?
Putting together a programme of events that provides variety and quality, whilst making it affordable. Our aim is always to try and give people the opportunity to attend at least 2 events during the week.
What was your best ever carnival night?
Too difficult to select one, so, Corporate Night & Bjorn Again in 2008 and The Real Thing when I first booked them to play our final night with Odyssey (12 years ago I think).
Who would be your dream carnival act?
I always wanted Spandau Ballet or Duran Duran to play Carnival but their re-found fame has put paid to that!
How do you survive the eight days?
It’s only adrenalin that allows us to survive on no more than five hours sleep a night over a 14-day period.
Why do you do it?
The event can only happen with the continued support of the town and the positive feedback we receive. The anticipation during the build up reminds you that all the hard work is worth it.
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Andrew Gilliar (39), Logistics
How long have you been in the Round Table?
Four years. Why did you join? I was looking for something to help the community in a positive way.
What is your specialist carnival skill?
They need it; I can normally find it.
What are you looking forward to in this carnival?
The way we will all work together to get the job done
Who would be your dream carnival act?
U2
Why do you do it?
After growing up in the Saffron Walden area, it is rewarding, giving back to the community that has given me so much.
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Stephen Woodard (27), Sales & Marketing and Carnival Caravan
How long have you been in the Round Table?
Five years.
Why did you join?
To get more involved in fund raising, and to gain some experiences and skills for both business and personal development whilst enjoying the social scene and making some great friends.
What is your specialist carnival skill?
IT skills, coordinating people and liaising with suppliers and those involved.
What was your best ever carnival night?
The Final Night 2008, an amazing night with Abba songs and The Real Thing, and it also celebrated the end of a great week.
What are you looking forward to in this carnival?
Making it as much of a success as the last one, and hopefully taking it to the next level! Oh, and having increased sales through the website.
Who would be your dream carnival act?
Having a diverse interest in music, one of my favourite nights is Club Night, so perhaps a night of world class DJs, or Goo Goo Dolls for a more Rock scene!
How do you survive the eight days?
Adrenaline, momentum and Berocca! Perhaps some Red Bull in there also…
Why do you do it?
The event is second to none in this area, as it is simply massive! It really brings the community together, and to be a part of that makes me feel very proud to be a Tabler.
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Ian Mercer (35), Pre Event Sponsorship
How long have you been in the Round Table?
Five years.
What was your best ever carnival night?
There were so many it's hard to choose but the Bjorn Again last carnival must be high up there.
What are you looking forward to in this carnival?
All eight days of great entertainment and raising money for local groups.
Who would be your dream carnival act?
Would have been Queen but think the likes of U2, The Who or The Stones would be fantastic entertainment.
Why do you do it?
It's a great experience and incredible fun. The community spirit is always fantastic the whole week.
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Claire Croft (44) Represents the Ladies Circle, sister organization of Round Table
How long have you been in the Ladies Circle?
Six years.
Why did you join?
I wanted to get involved in raising funds for my local community.
What is your specialist carnival skill?
Hopefully being able to work with anyone and everyone.
What was your best ever carnival night?
Bjorn Again, FAB night; the whole marquee was partying.
What are you looking forward to in this carnival?
Blues Brothers.
Who would be your dream carnival act?
Human League.
Why do you do it?
I absolutely love it; to see Saffron Walden come alive is great.
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Adrian Green (38), Carnival Secretary
How long have you been in the Round Table?
Three years.
What is your specialist carnival skill?
Getting on with the job that needs doing.
What was your best ever carnival night?
Final night party 2008. Great event. You could see everyone was having a great time through the night. However, when the team of volunteers was invited on stage at the end of the night to the applause of the crowd it was such a fantastic feeling and you knew everyone had had a great time.
What are you looking forward to this carnival?
A full marquee every night and the buzz of working on the bar.
Who would be your dream carnival act?
U2.
How do you survive the eight days?
Sleep all day, party all night! Most importantly the adrenaline generated from each event keeps you going throughout.
Why do you do it?
There is an obvious sense of personal achievement from being a part of organising the event but the biggest thing is seeing so many people have such a good time.
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Ben Dawe (32), Treasurer
How long have you been in the Round Table?
Two and a half years.
Why did you join?
To be able to make a difference.
What's your normal job?
Retail Manager at Waitrose, Saffron Walden.
What was your best ever carnival night?
Blues Brothers, two carnivals ago.
What are you looking forward to in this carnival?
Every carnival it’s the procession, and just looking down a packed High Street.
Who would be your dream carnival act?
Madness
