A POPULAR carnival that brings together families and the community for a day of fun and festivities is returning to Andover this year.

The long-standing Andover Carnival, which returned to town last year after a three-year hiatus, is back again this year on Sunday, July 16.

The ‘entirely self-funded’ carnival will be held in the high street and Vigo Park.

The events will begin at midday, with the full street procession starting at 4pm.

READ MORE: Photos from the return of the Andover Carnival parade

Live music will be available on the main stage until 8.30pm.

This year, all the funds raised during the carnival will go towards supporting two local Andover charities, Me & My Dad Club and Koala Community Hub.

The carnival is also collaborating with InAndover this time to bring even more excitement to the events.

The organisers are currently looking for the support of local businesses and residents to make the events a success.

The cost of putting on the Andover Carnival is estimated at around £12,000, which includes arranging road closures, insurances, porta-loos, security, and the main stage.

Additionally, the event requires voluntary man-hours by a small committee of dedicated individuals.

Carnival organiser Angela Aspinall said: “The Andover Carnival is Andover’s biggest party which has been going for many many years. I’m sure if we haven’t been in it ourselves then we know someone who has participated in the event over the years. It’s a time for families and the community to come together for the day to enjoy quality time and make memories.

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“I really do appreciate how tough things are out there at the moment and that’s why the Andover Carnival Committee is passionate that this event goes ahead. It’s a free day out for everyone.”

The committee has set up a Go Fund Me page and is offering various sponsorship packages starting at £250.

It is encouraging individuals and businesses to support the event and make a donation to help cover the costs of putting on the event.

If you would like to support the carnival, visit: gofundme.com/f/andover-carnival-2023.

It is still open for any procession entries and stalls for the park.