Check out the websites and Facebook pages for Stencil Shed and Carnival throughout August to get details of Syd's treasure hunts and how to become the proud owner of one of his creations.

Maps from TIC.

www.thestencilshed.co.uk and www.malmesburycarnival.co.uk.

Hidden within Malmesbury is a secret trove of treasure that only the bravest and smartest can find! Do you dare follow the trail? Who will find the treasure first? Grab your map now and get ready to hunt, following the clues in shops on the High Street!

Would you like to get a little more active and meet new people? Are you unsure about how to take the first step? Why not kick off your weekend with a social #runandtalk?

On the first Friday evening of each month, Abbey Flyers have a Run and Talk session. We meet at 6pm outside The Riverside Community Centre. The sessions are aimed at all types of runners - from the newbie, to the returner, to the experienced runner. We will run a short lap of the town - with as many walk breaks as needed - and finish with a social get together at the pub.

On Friday 2nd August at 7:00pm, we will have a 'Carnival Run and Talk' - we simply request that you make a small donation with all proceeds going to carnival.

Enjoy strolling around our ancient town and discovering a wide variety of wonderful gardens - 16 this year. Refreshments available. Get maps in advance from the Town Hall or on the day in a garden. 

Maps available from gardens or TIC.

Test your musical knowledge against up to 16 teams of 4 people; with the opportunity to enjoy a delicious pre-quiz meal. Ticket price for quiz only.

Event Capacity: 16 teams of 4

The rocks and fossils of Charmouth, Malmesbury and beyond with Ali Ferris of Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.

Ali studied at Malmesbury School and Cirencester College, before gaining BSc and MSc degrees at University. As a warden at Charmouth she works in one of the most exciting fossil hunting areas in the world and will tell us of her work with the rocks and fossils of the area and the links with Malmesbury and district. Suitable for Children aged 8 and above, who go free (must be accompanied by an adult).

Event Capacity: 70

Back for the 16th consecutive year! Come and experience a superb evening sampling great wines whilst enjoying a fabulous three course dinner at The Whole Hog. Yes, yet again Mike Kemp and his excellent team will be hosting one of Malmesbury Carnival's most popular events. Great wines to complement great home cooked food with our guest wine expert giving a detailed tasting to match food to wine. Advance booking only and tickets sell out fast so get yours now!

Wine tasting and three course meal included in the ticket price.

Event Capacity: 42

Perfect to keep the little people entertained, so join Janet Casselden to dig for fossils and dinosaurs!

Suitable for children aged between 4 and 9 (must be accompanied by an adult).

Tickets available at venue.

Event Capacity: 15

Eyes down for an evening of bingo fun!.

Win a prize by identifying the scarecrows dotted round Town. The theme this year is Family Film and TV Characters!

Follow the map to find and identify the scarecrows dotted around our lovely town (maps available from TIC). Based on a theme of Family Film & TV Characters, can you work out who or what they all are? The most correct answers wins a prize!

Post a picture of your favourite scarecrow on Malmesbury Carnival Facebook or Instagram pages.

Also, help to make the trail a success by making your own scarecrow.

Please click here to download a Scarecrow Trail registration form .

The application form is available from the Tourist Information Centre - apply by 31st July.

With Michael Loveday, prize-winning fiction writer and poet. This workshop will be an introduction to the differences between two closely related and increasingly popular forms of writing - flash fiction and prose poetry. There will be discussion of examples from international writers, and you will leave the session with at least one draft prose poem and one flash fiction. 

Michael Loveday specialises in flash fiction and prose poetry. He is a Director of the National Association of Writers in Education, was judge of the inaugural Tongues and Grooves Prose Poem Prize in 2018 and judge of the Bath Novella-in-Flash Award 2019. His book Three Men on the Edge (V. Press, 2018) is a novella-length sequence of hybrid flash fiction / prose poetry. 

Event Capacity: 18

Performed by local actors, Sara Gray and John O’Brien, readings of two short plays and two monologues by one of Britain’s best loved playwrights. Featuring ‘A Visit From Miss Prothero’, ‘Two In Torquay’, ‘A Chip in the Sugar’ and ‘The Hand of God’. Light, funny, sharp, perceptive, sad, intriguing, engaging, insightful, warm, wistful, painful and memorable.

Capacity: 60

RHS Chelsea award winning florist leads everyone in producing their own Carnival flower crown!

Led by Persephone Violet's multi award-winning florist Emily and her trusty team, this class is for anyone who likes to be creative. No previous skills required, and everyone will leave with a flower crown to be proud of! Fresh floral material and decorative items will be provided for you - all you need to do is bring yourself (a pair of scissors and an apron if you’d like). An evening of fun learning a new skill. Come and give it a go!

Event Capacity: 30

Reaching for the Moon. Join Malmesbury storyteller Sue Chadd for an afternoon of stories, both ancient and modern, about the sun, the moon and the stars. Then make an alien or spaceman mask to take home with you. Suitable for children aged from 5 to 11yrs. (NB: Children under 8 yrs of age require a parent or guardian to stay with them). .

The Malmesbury Library are also running other exciting events, including: Wednesday 7th August2:30-3:30 - Aliens Love Underpants (Age 3-7) Friday 16th August 2:30-3:30 - Hairy McClary (Age 3-7) These will be chargeable events, tickets available from the library.

£1.50 for library members £2 for non-members.

Tickets available at venue.

Event Capacity: 15

Join Malmesbury’s renowned oenologists sampling and describing fine wines. But who is bluffing…?.

The Malmesbury wine bluffers are back! Yes, after a 10 year gap, Ian Brownlie and the two Andys, Somers and Dawson, are back to bring you an evening of fun, entertainment and light hearted wine education. So, whether you are a wine expert or just want to learn more about wine this is the event for you. You'll taste 3 whites and 3 reds and our three experts will describe each wine as you are drinking it. And all you have to do is guess who is telling the truth and who is bluffing - simple!!!  There will be a prize for the person who gets the most right, and cheese and French bread at the end (for all - not just for the prizewinner!). 

A Carnival Bar will be there too!

Event Capacity: 72

Enjoy an audience with Mr Edward Lear, King of the Nonsense Rhyme and Loopy Limerick! Allow him to entertain you with tall tales concerning his life and times, the people, flora and fauna he encountered along the way, and his own inimitable philosophy of life. Oh, and a certain owl and a particular pussycat are both guaranteed! Bar open from 7pm.

Event Capacity: 90

Join us for a tour of the family-run, local vineyard situated in Noah’s Ark, this carnival month! Tours will run every half past the hour between 11am and 3pm on August 17th, a ticket price of £5pp to be purchased on arrival (50% ticket takings being donated to carnival charity). Free for children under 16 but must be accompanied by an adult. This is a great occasion to sample some wonderful local wine. There is the opportunity to buy on the day. Please wear sensible shoes! Event is subject to weather so please keep an eye on vineyard website/Facebook.

(Tickets available at venue)

A rare opportunity to see inside some of our buildings not usually open. The court house, bell tower and warden and freeman offices to name but a few. The Malmesbury Hoard will be on display and you can try your hand at lacemaking. Along the route will be points of interest.

Tickets for sale at the Tourist Information Centre ahead of event and on the day. Also available at the URC on the day. 

This is a self guided event with experts on hand at each venue. Maps either ahead of the event at TIC, on the day at TIC, URC church or Tolsey gate.

Once the map has been bought people can follow their own route.

Refreshments will be available.

Event Capacity: Unlimited

An evening of relaxing music and a superb BBQ in the gardens of Englands Oldest Hotel.

Live entertainment from Conspiritas.

(Tickets available at venue)

Enjoy an action Bollywood film - 'Dishoom' about two mismatched Indian cops and a missing cricket star! Family friendly with 12a rating.

Event Capacity: 40

It's Raining Cats and Dogs (and other pets!). Creative writing tutor, poet and storyteller, Sue Chadd, will lead you through fun games and exercises to get your creative juices flowing. Bring photos of your favourite pets to help you pen some amazing adventures about your furry friends! Suitable for children aged from 5 to 11yrs. (NB: Children under 8 yrs of age require a parent or guardian to stay with them) .

The Malmesbury Library are also running other exciting events, including: Wednesday 7th August2:30-3:30 - Aliens Love Underpants (Age 3-7) Friday 16th August 2:30-3:30 - Hairy McClary (Age 3-7) These will be chargeable events, tickets available from the library.

£1.50 for non-members and £1 for library members .

Tickets available at venue.

Event Capacity: 15

Charles Vernon returns for a fascinating talk on Malmesbury in the 1920s and Unseen Malmesbury - a collection of photographs from the 1860s to 1980s.

Capacity = 120

Professor Skeffington, an eminent source of knowledge about climate change, as well as many other topics, puts a local eye on the climate from the past and casts one into the future to tell us whether to stock up on sun cream or to move to the top of the Abbey! Bar open from 7pm!.

Event Capacity: 90

Come and join us for some fabulous songs and dances from some of the biggest Musical shows. From 'My Fair Lady' to 'Hamilton' and a range of the greats in between. 'Musical Mash-up' will be directed by Phoenix Vincent who as an AP Junior, co-directed the Junior Showcase in 2015, Simon Blake making his directorial debut and Hay Blake who co-directed our 2017 pantomime 'Jack and the Beanstalk'. We look forward to welcoming you all!.

Tickets available from Miles Morgan Travel and on the door.

Capacity: 90

A fascinating talk by well known local historian Tony McAleavey, titled 'Riot, Rebellion and Class Conflict in 17th Century Malmesbury'.

Event Capacity: 60 each day

Join Michael, Sandy and the Team for a great evening sampling a delicious selection of wine and cheese. What a perfect combination!

Event Capacity: 26

Tune in and listen to Malmesbury Community Radio for all the Carnival news.

Broadcasting everyday from 5pm on Friday 23rd August to Sunday 1st September.

Open Carnival Radio web page here...

Back by popular demand! An enjoyable evening where your quizzing skills will be well and truly tested.

Event Capacity: 24

Come and learn about our bats on this guided walk through Conygre Mead Nature Reserve led by bat expert Paul Darby of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Learn how to use a bat detector and about bats in their natural environment. Assemble in the car park on the Nature Reserve at 8.30pm. Bring a torch.

(Tickets available at venue)

Enjoy a funfilled family day with a bouncy castle, competitions and delicious food!

A fascinating talk by well known local historian Tony McAleavey, titled 'Riot, Rebellion and Class Conflict in 17th Century Malmesbury'.

Event Capacity: 60 each day

The Whitewalls Way is a walking route linking Malmesbury and Sherston and takes its name from the ancient Roman Town half way along the route.

Stroll down our wonderful high street filled with incredible stalls, meeting friends and locals as you seek out unbelievable bargains. If you would like a pitch, click here to download a form or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Enjoy a delicious homemade cream tea. The perfect way to end your visit to Petticoat Lane.

(Tickets available at venue)

Grab your hip gear- you're invited to enjoy an evening with the The Lewis Creaven Band. High energy rocking blues paying homage to a variety of musical heroes. 

Event Capacity: 70

Join Ken once again for the traditional Carnival Bike Ride along scenic lanes and quiet country roads soaking up the surroundings as you chat to your fellow cyclists.

Expect a gentle outing of around 20 miles.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Use of helmets is strongly recommended and participation is at the cyclist’s risk.

(Tickets available at venue)

What better way to spend a relaxing bank holiday afternoon?

Enjoy music from local bands The Long Players, The Razzle Dazzle Drive Band, Wilf and Colbalt Fire in the open air and beautiful surroundings of the Cloister Gardens.

Bar will be open to boost Carnival Funds and tea and cakes available to buy from the Abbey.

Under 13's free, Under 16's must be accompanied.

Event will be cancelled in the event of rain.

(Tickets available at venue)

Event Capacity: 300

From bees and butterflies, to wildflowers, trees and country customs, test your knowledge of the countryside with your host Sue Chadd and her enjoyable and thought provoking quiz. 

Event Capacity: 18 teams of 4 

The Whitewalls Way is a walking route linking Malmesbury and Sherston and takes its name from the ancient Roman Town half way along the route.

Entertainment for all the family with thrilling rides, fun stalls, music and... candy floss!

Enjoy an amazing fun fair filled with rides and stalls. A definite must of the Carnival Weekend! Thursday & Friday from 6pm, Saturday from 2.00pm Please note the car park will be closed from 5.30pm on Tuesday 27th Aug until 1.00 on Sunday 1st September. The alternative car park will be sign posted.

Join Michael, Sandy and the Team for a great evening sampling a delicious selection of wine and cheese. What a perfect combination!

Event Capacity: 26

An undulating route with some off-road down the Fosse Way and on quiet country roads.

The Flying Monk Malmesbury 10k is very much part of the Carnival celebrations. An undulating route with some of the route off-road down the Fosse Way, the oldest Roman Road in the country, the rest being run on the quiet country roads surrounding Malmesbury. For 2019 the race returns to a Saturday event as a pre-cursor to the Malmesbury Carnival. Details at www.dbmax.co.uk/events/the-flying-monk-malmesbury-10k-31st-august.

Live Music and BBQ straight after procession. All welcome! Football club and bar open from midday.

This needs no introduction; the big Carnival event and major fundraiser for local causes. Our Carnival Procession is full of fun and we can't wait for you to join in, so come along! Show your community spirit too, and 'top it off with a hat'. Click here to download an entry form. We are very grateful for continued sponsorship by Hilditch Group.

Top it off with a Hat

 Everyone turns out for the carnival procession which will mark the end of a month long celebration of our wonderful town

In this our first year as your new carnival committee we would like as many of YOU as possible, adults and children, to wear something on your head to show that you are part of CARNIVAL.

Come on, DRESS UP A BIT and support CARNIVAL!

Let’s fill the streets with:

Toppers, Cowboys, Policemen, Berets, Feathers, Fascinators, Pirates, Clowns and Glitter or just invent something new!

Your help would be much appreciated helping us count the pennies collected throughout the Carnival Procession. We start at 9am but turn up whenever you can. Tea and biccies will be provided!.

We will be drawing the Grand Raffle during the Cash Count – come and see what you have won!

A not too serious look at some key events in Malmesbury’s past at the places where they happened, with a quiz and other activities for all ages.

The walk will be step free in Malmesbury town centre and we will cover about a mile. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Numbers are limited so please buy tickets in advance.

Ticket price is £6 per adult and £3 for children (£5:00 Adults for members of Malmesbury Civic Trust or Athelstan Museum).

Proceeds to Carnival (except Athelstan Museum’s ticketing costs).

Tickets will be available at the Museum and via www.athelstanmuseum.org.uk as well as here on the Carnival web site.

Event Capacity: 20

A joyous celebration with live music held outside the picturesque Abbey.