harpenden christmas carnival and lights switch on

**** EVENT CANCELLED*****

It is with much regret that we have had to take the decision to cancel the Harpenden Christmas Carnival due to take place this Sunday. 

We have been closely monitoring the weather this week, including the wind speeds and gusts, and have been working hard to deliver the Carnival safely. Yesterday we made modifications to the plans which we hoped would enable the event to go ahead. 

However the Met Office has today issued new national severe weather warnings for the weekend which have a heightened impact on Harpenden. This includes higher gusts of wind which are now consistently forecast to be above the upper limits that allow us to erect farmers market stalls, music stages and fun fair rides. The safety of residents, traders and event staff is always at the forefront of our decisions even though we appreciate how disappointing this is to everyone. 

The pre-booked craft activities in Park Hall will be going ahead, as will the Santa’s Grotto which is now located in Bennets Main Hall.  

Santa’s Grotto is open from 12noon until 6pm (with a break from 3pm to 3.30pm) and you can turn up and join the queue. Tickets are £3 per child and include a small gift from Santa. 

The Town Centre Christmas tree and Christmas lights will be switched on at some point during Sunday however this will not involve any countdown event. 

If you would like further information please contact Harpenden Town Council: 

Telephone: 01582 768278 

Email: harpenden.town.council@harpenden.gov.uk 

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We are delighted to share the news that the Harpenden Town Council Events team is planning an exciting, magical celebration for all – it's free to attend and everyone is welcome! The Harpenden Christmas Carnival has become a wonderful symbol of the start of the festive season. 

The Christmas Carnival is a lively occasion with an abundance of live entertainment, activities, food and drink, outdoor bars and music as well as the Christmas Farmers’ Market. Santa and his cheeky elves will be at the event again this year and there will be the opportunity to see them in the Procession as well as in his Grotto.

The Procession will begin at 3pm; from Lydekker Park it will travel along the High Street up to Vaughan Road. This year its theme is "A Harpenden Winter Wonderland" and the Town Council has opened the opportunity to join in to even more groups than before, making it an even bigger showstopper at the event. The Pipes and Drums will lead the parade as tradition dictates, closely followed by Santa and his elves. Joining them are stilt walkers and entertainers, Brownies and Rainbows groups, Police Cadets, Harpenden Colts FC, schools, entertainers, musicians, community groups and the cast of this year’s Harpenden Panto.

Live entertainment will be performed on two stages with community groups and music entertainment split between the two. We’re delighted to welcome SASA School of Performing Arts, Hurst Children’s Theatre Group, Rock Choir, the Gang Show and many other fabulous local performers to the main stage. The Mini Stage on Harpenden Common will include a variety of music and children’s entertainment including the Elves Show and Strike Free, talented musicians from Roundwood School.

The Christmas Lights will be switched on at 5pm by The Town Mayor, Cllr Pip Liver, together with the winner of the Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition, a design competition open to children in Harpenden. This is always a show stopping moment for the Town and a time to appreciate the hospitality and breadth of the best of Harpenden.

Free Craft Workshops will take place as usual in Park Hall, including children’s Christmas stocking decorating, Christmas sack printing, and wreath making. Spaces are limited. To book onto these workshops follow this link - https://www.eventbrite.com/o/harpenden-town-council-27037465633

DOWNLOAD THE EVENT PROGRAMME HERE

Alongside the event, the fantastic Christmas Emergency Services Open Day will also be taking place again this year at the Harpenden Fire Station. Find out more here.

Free parking for the event will be available at the Station car park starting at 12 noon; because of expected high attendance the Town Council encourages people to walk to the event where possible.

For families attending with young children, there will be free lost child wristbands available at the Town Council Information Tent.