You may not know, but the Carnival began in 2007, started by Debbie Johnson and Liz Ratcliffe, with support from Liz’s husband, Peter. We never expected it to be such a hit—but it was! So of course, we had to do it again the next year.
As life moved on, Liz followed a new calling and became the vicar of St Michael’s Church in Tilehurst, stepping away from the carnival.
That’s when Karen Eaves stepped in. She took on the co-organiser role and, for four years, ran things brilliantly. Then Covid hit, and we lost two years of carnival. In 2023, the Carnival was ready to return, until the Queen’s passing led to a period of mourning, and we had to cancel again.
Karen stepped down and handed the reigns to Rosie Johnson and Katie Harber became the new carnival crew! This, our final year, Suzanne Madigan has taken on the co-organiser role.
Huge thanks to Liz for starting it all, to Karen, Rosie and Katie for keeping it going, and now to Suzanne for this year.
Join us on 20th September 2025, 12–9 PM, at the Recreation Ground on Clares Green Road (behind The Farriers, who’ll be running the bar).
