The 2010 Woodstock Carnival Them

WOODSTOCK CHARITY CARNIVAL

The 2010 Woodstock Carnival Theme

Woodstock's Horrible History of Sagas and Scandals

Long ago the place now known as Blenheim Park was THE ROYAL PARK OF WOODSTOCK. In 1110 AD King Henry I encircled the park with a seven mile long stone wall to keep the natives outside and to keep on the inside his deer and a zoo which included lions, camels and a porcupine. Woodstock is celebrating this 900 year anniversary.

The carnival this year featured all the ages since this wall was built. The parade led off with a camel from Heythrop Zoological Gardens. This celebrated King Henry's menagerie which was transferred to the Tower of London in 1252 and from there to Regent's Park in 1830. This makes the London Zoo by far the oldest animal collection in the world.

Other events portrayed in the Carnival included the liaison between Henry II and Fair Rosamond and his quarrels with St Thomas á Becket, the imprisonment of Queen Elizabeth I and the Civil War.

2010 was the 29th year of Woodstock Charity Street Carnival. In addition to the parade there was the usual live music and entertainment from the Primary School and the Marlborough School, a jive session and a wide variety of charity stalls. On street food providers included the annual Football Club's popular Pig Roast.