For those in and around the market town of Ringwood, the end of summer is marked by the largest and brightest event on its calendar – Ringwood Carnival.
On the third Saturday in September, crowds line the streets for TWO processions; the first starts at 2 pm for families, and then again at 7.15pm (sundown) for an illuminated parade. Both are beautiful shows of light, colour, noise, flamboyance, but most of all a show of community spirit.
But Carnival is not just the processions! There is a whole host of free entertainment situated across the town during the day. Prior to the processions, street entertainment will ensure to get the crowds excited, this year including some of the UK’s top BMX riders! ‘Live on the Lawn’ at Greyfriars Community Centre sees live music and more from local entertainers, with food and drink stalls and the brilliant Carnival Bar to quench your thirst.
Over at the Bickerley Green is the Carnival field with a huge funfair for those thrill seekers, including some of the largest rides in the UK, whilst smaller rides are for the youngsters. Adjacent to that field is the Village Green Family Zone, with plenty of food and drink choices, local arts and crafts, games and charity stalls, not forgetting circus performers and workshops!
Ringwood Fire station opens its ‘Big Red Doors’ once again for the public to explore the station and equipment; St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church are offering their famous tower tours, where you can climb up the narrow steps and reach the top for a stunning view of the town. Across at The Meeting House, a month-long exhibition documents Carnival floats across the years – and explores Carnival’s history.
There’s even more music; Carnival Unplugged showcases solo music artists playing across a number of venues and locations across Ringwood all throughout the Saturday.
And that isn’t all! After the evening procession, the high-energy End of Show Fire Show takes place in the Market Place, then the day finishes off on Bickerley Field, with the Grand Finale Firework Display!
There is a whole variety of build-up events during Carnival week running up to the big day; kicking off with the Ringwood Carnival Quiz on the 12th September. There is something happening every evening that week! – see the website for details.
And of course, Ringwood’s community Carnival (which is nearly 100 years old!) – couldn’t happen without its generous local sponsors. One of those long-term supporters, and this year’s headline sponsor, is Economy Van Hire:
“At Economy Hire, we’re delighted to support Ringwood Carnival as headline sponsor this year. As a local business, we’re proud to be part of a community that brings people together, and we’re pleased to help celebrate everything that makes Ringwood such a special place. We hope everyone has a fantastic Carnival 2026!”
For more information – what’s on during Carnival week, our official sponsors and much, much more, visit the dedicated website: www.ringwoodcarnival.org
