On the third Saturday in September, the market town of Ringwood comes alive, with a bright and beautiful show of light, colour, noise and flamboyance – the largest event on its calendar; a festival of fun!
SO what should you expect that weekend, to celebrate the end of summer?
The TWO processions for a start – the afternoon parade starts at 2 pm for families, and then comes alive again at 7.15 pm (sundown) for a bright, entertaining illuminated show.
But Carnival is not just the processions! There is a whole host of free entertainment situated across the town throughout the day:
Prior to each parade are street and music performers, together with an aerial bike display in the marketplace, whilst Transformers characters (Bumblebee and Megatron) can be found at Greyfriars Roundabout.
Continuing at Greyfriars Community Centre all afternoon, ‘Live on the Lawn’ sees live music from various performers and more from local entertainers, a mini car show, as well as food and drink stalls – and the brilliant Carnival Bar to quench your thirst.
Making its debut last year, Carnival Unplugged returns, with solo music artists playing across a number of venues throughout the town on Saturday – check our online programme for details.
Over at Bickerley Green is the Carnival field with a great funfair for those thrill seekers, including some of the largest rides in the UK. Adjacent to that field are the Village Green stalls, with plenty of food and drink choices, local arts and crafts, games and charity stalls – not forgetting a circus skills workshop AND BMX stunt displays!
Both the Meeting House and Ringwood Fire Station open their doors to the public on Carnival Day.
Ending the day’s festivities are the End of Show Fire Performance in the Market Place Arena and the Grand Finale Firework Display, situated behind the funfair at 9:30 pm! And for those who want to party into the night, the official afterparty is at Framptons.
If that was not enough, there are also a whole variety of mini-events being held in the run-up to Carnival Day to get involved with.
Ringwood Carnival couldn’t happen without its generous local sponsors. This year’s headline sponsor, for the first year, is Donaldson Ross & Co.
“At Donaldson Ross & Co, we’re proud to support our community as the headline sponsor of Ringwood Carnival – celebrating local spirit, togetherness, and everything that makes Ringwood special! ENJOY RINGWOOD CARNIVAL 2025.”
For more information – what’s on during Carnival week, our official sponsors and much, much more, visit our website: www.ringwoodcarnival.org
