Carnival gets green light for move to new site

Kenilworth's carnival has been forced to move because of climate change, councillors say

A summer carnival under threat because of waterlogging and tree growth on its usual site has been given the green light to move.

The 100-year-old Kenilworth Carnival operated for many years in an area north of the Finham Brook, which is now deemed unsuitable due to tree growth.

Warwick District Council has now approved its relocation to Abbey fields and £8,000 of funding for works to enable the move.

Councillor Ella Billiald, portfolio holder for arts and economy, said: "It is an event which means so much to our community."

The move is subject to a consultation with Historic England because of a nearby monument, a potential hurdle pending a consent application.

The new location, in an area of Abbey Fields to the north of Forrest Road, would require gates to be widened and gravel laid to get fair vehicles in.

Green councillor James Kennedy, portfolio holder for climate change, recorded his thanks to officers "who moved very quickly to find a solution".

He said issues at the previous site were caused by climate change, with the area no longer "suitable due to the risk of flooding and damage to the trees".

Councillor Judy Falp said: "I think I first attended 68 years ago, at the age of one, and I have been quite a few times since, so I am pleased a solution has been found."

Organisers wrote on the carnival website they were "very pleased" the event would go ahead.

The event, which includes a procession and floats, takes place on 29 and 30 June.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.