About the CarnivalStowmarket Carnival is a fun, friendly family event that has been part of the Stowmarket community for over sixty years.
Traditionally taking place in July, the three-day weekend carnival is a highlight of the summer! The event is now free to attend, and it’s packed with affordable entertainment. Each year we are supported by fantastic local businesses and volunteers.
Stowmarket Carnival is a wonderful showcase for the kinds of traditional events we sadly see less and less in our communities. Here are some of the brilliant sights visitors can see.
Carnival procession
Passing right through the centre of Stowmarket, the procession features floats decorated by local schools, clubs and businesses. Plus, there are plenty of walkers, dancers and singers – not forgetting the “Stowmartian” making his annual appearance!
Carnival court
Consisting of the Carnival Sovereign, Prince and Princess, who lead the procession and join the fun throughout Carnival weekend.
Local market stalls
From a wide array of food and drink to the talents of local makers and crafters, and from charities to family-friendly games, you’ll find stalls of all kinds on the recreation ground.
Entertainment
Carnival truly is an event for all the family – entertainment in previous years has included circus skills, fairground attractions, vehicle shows, Morris dancing and even a trail run!
Free live music
Performances and concerts every afternoon and evening from local musicians and bands playing a huge range of musical genres.
Continuity and community
Stowmarket Carnival is not only a wonderful tradition, but also an unrivalled opportunity to create new connections in the town. We love the opportunity the weekend offers for newer residents to feel part of the community.
The Covid-19 pandemic – during which Carnival was put on hold for two years – showed us the importance of community events, and our team of volunteers is passionate to keep Carnival alive at a time when many village fetes and fairs are becoming a thing of the past.
The ethos of Carnival is community over commerce, and Carnival weekend offers local businesses a fantastic chance to build connections at affordable rates. Locally based companies can join in by putting on a display, having a stall, or sponsoring equipment, events or vehicles.
We are always open to new ideas, so if you have an innovative idea for a stall or display, we’d love to hear from you.
All sponsors are featured in the Carnival programme, which is handed out to more than 5,000 local families, making it a brilliant showcase for retailers and small local businesses.
We are always looking for volunteers to help over Carnival weekend, too, so if you are able to offer a few hours to help set things up, take things down, carry a cash bucket or pick up litter, please drop us a line and help make this year’s Carnival a success.
This year’s Carnival will be Friday 17th, Saturday 18th, & Sunday 19th July 2026
Put the dates in your diary!