harpenden christmas carnival announcement

Harpenden Sparkles at Christmas 

The Harpenden Christmas Carnival will take place this year on Sunday 22^nd November from 12pm-6pm. This event welcomes around 20,000 people to Harpenden’s vibrant Town Centre and has become an important event for the local community providing an opportunity for friends, neighbours and families to come together to enjoy a free or low cost festive celebration.

Mayor of Harpenden, Cllr Kirsti Wenn said “The Carnival’s atmosphere, exciting attractions, and strong sense of community is a highlight of Harpenden Town Council’s calendar and a much-loved tradition. We are delighted to welcome community groups, charities and local, talented performers. Young Enterprise Stalls provided by some of Harpenden’s young entrepreneurs will be on the High Street and of course I’m very excited to be taking part in this year’s Procession which is a wonderful parade through the town by local charities, entertainers and Santa. I’ll be switching on the Town’s Christmas lights at 5pm with winner of the Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition which is a big honour for me.” 

Included in this year’s Christmas Carnival are food and drink stalls, outdoor bars, fairground rides and walkabout entertainment and a petting farm. The Farmers’ Market will be a main feature of the High Street, Santa will be waiting to see the children in his Grotto and we’re also delighted to welcome a wide variety of live music and entertainment.

The Procession

The much-loved procession will begin at 3pm; from Lydekker Park it will travel along the High Street up to Vaughan Road. The Pipes and Drums will lead the parade, closely followed by Santa and his elves. Joining them are entertainers, musicians, community groups and the cast of this year’s Harpenden Panto, Rapunzel. This year’s theme, ‘Harpenden Sparkles at Christmas’ means we can look forward to a procession filled with seasonal sparkle, festive creativity and plenty of Christmas magic!

Main Stage Entertainment

13:00 Rock Choir

13:30 Hurst Children’s Theatre Group

14:00 Sing with Tim

14:25 Katie Ross Dance Company

14:45 Rock Chorus Kids

15:00 Procession takes place along the High Street

15:30 Number 7

16:20 Harpenden & Wheathampstead Gang Show

16:40 Harpenden Panto

17:00 Lights switch on

Christmas Lights Switch On

At 5pm the Town’s Christmas lights will be switched on by The Town Mayor, Cllr Kirsti Wenn, 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.

The Town Council is delighted to announce that we have two incredible sponsors for this event. Sponsorship of Harpenden events is so important as enables the Town Council to organise exciting events for the community, with something for everyone.

Neves Solicitors is this year’s Principal Sponsor. Stewart Matthews, Managing Partner at Neves Solicitors, says “We’re delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Christmas Carnival, which heralds the start of the festive season. Having had an office in Harpenden since 1957, we feel very firmly rooted within the local community. This festive celebration promises to be a wonderful event for everyone to enjoy.”

The Cotswold Company is this year’s Gold Sponsor. Paolo Sciales, Head of Retail said, “The Cotswold Company is thrilled to be sponsoring the Harpenden Christmas Carnival. It’s a truly special event for the community, and we’re proud to be part of it. Since opening our store in Harpenden town centre, we’ve been so warmly welcomed by the people of Harpenden, and we’re delighted to give something back by supporting this festive celebration.”

Alongside the event, the fantastic Christmas Emergency Services Open Day will also be taking place again this year at the Harpenden Fire Station. Further information is available on the Town Council’s website calendar: www.harpenden.gov.uk

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.

Further information updates will be available on the Harpenden Town Council website: www.harpenden.gov.uk

Read our press release in full here