Venue secured for weekend highlights

The Maidenhead carnival has been given a massive boost after organisers finally found a venue for the popular concert and firework display that is one of the highlights of the carnival weekend. 

Traditionally the concert was held on the site of the St Regis paper mill in Taplow site but since its closure in 2006 organisers have been able to find a suitable location - until now.

Last year's year carnival was cancelled due to health and safety issues and for the past 12 months the organisers have been desperately searching for a suitable site with the breakthrough only coming in the last week.

The concert will know take place on giant steam boat, the Southern Comfort, which will be moored on Fenn Island in clear view of the riverbank where the crowds will watch the show.

Carnival chairman Mr Wilkinson said: "It's really fantastic news that we've found somewhere for the concert. It is important for the town to have community events that bring people together to share the same things. 

"The concert has always been the main attraction and the carnival would not be the same without it."
Fenn Island owner, Heather Fenn, who has agreed to let the boat be moored on her mooring, is delighted to be supporting the carnival.

"I have always loved the carnival and was very pleased to help out when Roger approached me," she said. "I am so pleased it is back. It is a fantastic event for the town and it was terrible when it was called off last year.
"I'm really looking forward to enjoying the festivities in June."