Parade news, performers and community joy
Carnival is meant to be a wall of joy, but for some families that wall is made of drums, sirens and crowds. Here is a practical, family-first guide to finding the quiet corners, planning the exit routes and still having a brilliant day out in 2026.
Vinyl roll-ups are quick, cheap and everywhere. So why are community groups up and down the UK commissioning hand-painted cloth banners again? We look at the makers, the materials, the costs and the quiet pride of seeing your group's name carried down the street in paint.
When the last float turns the corner, most of us head for the chip shop. Meet the volunteers who stay behind with grabbers, barrows and flasks of tea to give the carnival a clean send-off. Here's what their shift looks like — and how you can lighten the load.
The main stage gets the headlines and the parade gets the crowds, but the side streets are where carnival actually happens. From tiny puppet shows to church-hall samosas, here's the case for wandering off the route — and a few tips for doing it well.
Plastic confetti sparkles for seconds and lingers for decades. As UK carnivals plan their 2026 clean-up, here’s why paper petals, tissue shapes and certified biodegradable alternatives deserve the front of the parade — plus a simple swap guide for organisers, performers and families.
From Pembrokeshire pies to Yorkshire parkin, the UK’s carnival stalls are serving up a edible map of the country. We talk to the people behind the counters, pick six must-try regional dishes from the 2026 season, and share organiser tips for building a food trail with real local character.
Long after the last float has rolled home, UK carnival crews are already back in village halls and industrial units, sketching, welding and glittering. We step inside the 2026 winter workshops to see how floats are built, what safety marshals worry about, and how newcomers can lend a hand.
The main stage gets the headlines, but it is the humble tombola, cake stall and lucky dip that keep families fed, amused and coming back. Here is why organisers should give community stalls top billing in 2026 — plus a practical checklist for stallholders.