THE Great Christmas Carnival is set to host the first of its kind at Newbury Racecourse this holiday season.

Brand new for Christmas 2022 the carnival is set to open on November 27 and will run until January 2, 2023.

Organisers boast that the carnival will be the biggest Christmas wonderland style event in the South of England outside of London.

The Carnival will be home to over 20 rides and attractions for all ages.

Slough Observer:

Flying Santa appearing amongst crowds (Credit: Underbelly)

Among the attractions is the gravity-defying Flying Father Christmas (pictured), the only attraction of this type in the South.

Other rides include The Greatest Hits Radio Big Wheel, the Vintage Carousel, and the Fun house. While thrill seekers can hop on the Spinning Coaster and Giant Rollercoaster.

There will also be an ice-rink with skate hire, a Christmas tree maze, Santa’s Grotto and Circus.

Slough Observer: UnderbellyUnderbelly (Image: Underbelly)Children can visit Father Christmas in Santa's Grotto (Credit: Underbelly)

 

The Great Christmas Circus, from the creators of Circus Extreme and Circus Berlin, will run multiple times a day with shows lasting 45 minutes.

The Carnival will also include a huge Christmas market, with fully licensed bars and street food stalls, featuring European produce and traditional festive refreshments.

Newbury Racecourse chief executive Julian Thick said: “We are very excited about the launch of the Great Christmas Carnival.

“Having been working on this with our partners Underbelly for several years, we know it will be a great event that will appeal to a wide range of audience groups locally and further afield.”

Slough Observer: UnderbellyUnderbelly (Image: Underbelly)

 

The carnival will include christmas stalls and attractions (Credit: Underbelly)

World leading entertainment company, Underbelly, is known for Edinburgh’s Christmas, Christmas in Leicester Square, and Christmas in Trafalgar Square.

Underbelly directors Ed Bartlam and Charlie Wood said: “We are delighted to add The Great Christmas Carnival at Newbury Racecourse to our portfolio of exciting Christmas events.

“With a wide range of entertainment on offer across the site, the Carnival genuinely has something for everyone – from families looking to enjoy a child friendly day out, to friends planning a magical Christmas get together.”

Slough Observer:

Newbury Christmas Carnival map (Credit: Underbelly)

Carnival goers will need to purchase an entry ticket ahead of time, with the first 200 pre-booked tickets to be free.

Tickets include a complimentary hot chocolate and guests are greeted by the Flying Father Christmas, a show which sees Santa fly over the Carnival every hour.

Starting at £5 per ticket, with under three’s going free, tickets for the attractions and shows are on sale now and can be bought online or via the box office.

Details here: greatchristmascarnivalnewbury.com

Free parking for ticket holders is provided on site.