The Unofficial Olney Page

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Olney Events

A listing of all the major (and "Fringe") events going on in Olney. If you want a mention here ........ olney@sideburn.demon.co.uk tell me!!!

 

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Olney Events

Visit the Fiesta Website for details of these events.

The Pancake Race (Shrove Tuesday - March)

Shrove Tuesday is celebrated in Olney England like nowhere else on earth! Townsfolk gather to see the original and unique Olney Pancake Race which is now world famous. Traffic stops while the competitors make their 415 yard dash from the Bull Hotel (old coaching Inn) to the Parish Church of St.Peter & St. Paul. The race is run in competition with Liberal, in Kansas USA.

Floral Fiesta Week (July)

Annual Carnival, Funfair, Raft Race, Quiz Night,Crafts and Floral Displays, Floral Hanging Baskets around the Town.

The origins of Olney Floral Fiesta go back to January 1965, when members of Olney Parish Council felt that the Town should hold an annual event to include as many townsfolk as possible. It was decided to have a floral theme and create a carnival atmosphere lasting several days. A meeting was held where all the recognised organisations in the Town were invited to discuss the proposal. It was agreed that a floral display could be arranged in the form of window boxes on houses and shops, complimented by hanging baskets in various parts of the Town. At a later meeting a committee was formed, and for the first year a one day event was held with a carnival parade.Encouraged by the support and enthusiasm generated by the townsfolk, the committee decided that in future years it should be extended to week long event. The original idea was, and still is to this day, that the event should be put on by the Town, for the Town. The seeds of an idea sown in 1965 are still flourishing today, as the Fiesta goes from strength to strength, becoming one of the main events in the Town calendar.

Fiesta Fireworks (November)

Funfair, huge bonfire and display of fireworks, bar and a hog roast.

Dickens of a Christmas (December)

Christmas Market, held every year, a very special event. All the traders dress up in Victorian clothes. Father Christmas, street entertainers, mulled wine, hog roasts and street music all add to the atmosphere. Three Craft fairs run concurrently around the town (Bull Hotel, Working Men's Club and Olney Centre). Most of the shops around the Market Place will be open. Come and do your Christmas shopping.


 

Page created February 19, 1997
Page last updated 
March 11, 2007
Photographs Copyright © Ian Burnside
 

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