News, events and schools' information for families across Bath and West Wiltshire

Box Revels is back and it looks like there’s going to be fun or all of the family! Taking place on 28 May at Bargates Green in Box with the fun kicking off at 11.45am, it’s set to include a dog show, market stalls, Dave Hickory Magic Show, wife carrying, tug of war, bouncy stuff, Super Bowl competition and live music by local artists.

Places are also available for the traditional parade at the beginning of the event, which will see local clubs and societies, as well as vintage vehicles parading through the village to the Rec. Anyone wishing to take part in the parade is encouraged to contact the organisers, with prizes set to be awarded for best dressed entries.

When it comes to family fun, you can also look forwards to inflatables, fairground games, sock wrestling (which, according to event organiser Gemma Dando, “Is a really good laugh and a safe fun activity for kids of all ages!”), live music, tug of war (with teams including children of all ages), food, games and all manner of other traditional fairground fun.

“It’s free to get in and the activities are reasonably priced,” added Gemma. “Families sometimes bring a picnic, while there is also food to buy when you are there. There is free parking at the Selwyn Hall car park on Valens Terrace. It’s a great day out for all the family – our kids love it! Some of the activities have a small charge (fairground rides, inflatables), some are run by local scout group with a donation (sock wrestling) and some are totally free (tug of war, parade etc).”

What’s more, this year sees the return of Box Has Got Talent, to be held on Saturday 26 May from 7-11pm at the Queens Head. The talent show is open to groups or individuals (age 14+) and is set to showcase the best and most eclectic talent from the local area. If you have a talent, however weird or wonderful, then why not sign up to the event on our Facebook page and come and perform your routine to an incredibly supportive audience. Admission is free (with donations welcome!), and Dean Creighton has also generously offered to donate 10% of the Queens Head bar-takings to Box Revels. It promises to be a hugely enjoyable evening, celebrating the very best of Box. The winners, as judged by the Box Revels panel (including Simon Cowell wannabe!) will receive the prestigious ‘Golden Microphone’ award, and a cash prize.

“The history of Box Revels dates back to the Middle Ages, and you can read a fascinating review by Alan Payne (Jan 2016 issue) on www.boxpeopleandplaces.co.uk,” explained Gemma. “From its earliest beginnings, the purpose of Box Revels has been to fundraise, and today it’s no different. Box Revels is an event hosted by the local community and for the benefit of the local community. Every penny raised is invested back into Box and the organisers are always keen to hear from charities and worthy causes which we can support. In recent years the event has provided donations to organisations including the Jubilee Centre, The Green Room, Box Bowls Club and the Explorer Scouts, to fund much-needed equipment and excursions.”

The best way to keep updated on all these events and the latest Revels news (and to sign up for the parade or the talent show) is to follow the fun on on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BoxRevels/. It you can also volunteer some help to set up the event, please email email hidden; JavaScript is required

www.boxrevels.co.uk