Leighton-Linslade Carnival
Carnival day starts early with Parsons Close Recreation Ground set up with a live entertainment arena, stalls, funfair rides, food and so much more – all ready and waiting for the procession to arrive later in the day.
Meanwhile, the carnival floats are decorated and the procession assemble early ready to start their journey along the designated procession route. Lots of people stop and wave the procession along and it’s always a pleasure to see so many smiling faces, young and old, as they appreciate the effort made by everyone taking part.
A collection is made along the procession route, which is always generously supported and the donations are part of the funds distributed to charities and community groups at the Awards Evening.
The procession ends at Parsons Close Recreation Ground, where the winners are announced and presentations are made in the live entertainment arena.
Stalls
Standard pitch sizes are 4m frontage by 4m depth, and can be booked in multiples of 4m. We are unable to provide tables and chairs and we would advise you to bring a gazebo or similar.
If you are a registered charity or a not-for-profit group, and will be fundraising, you should apply for a Charity Stall, if not fundraising apply for Public Relations Stall. Commercial traders should apply for a Commercial Stall whilst small run-from-home businesses that are not a primary source of income should apply for Cottage Industry Stall. Food vendors should contact us at info@leightoncarnival.co.uk to confirm availability of pitches and cost (commercial stall fees do not apply).
Charity Stalls are charged at £15.00 for each 4m unit booked
Cottage Industry Stalls are charged at £20 plus £15.00 for each additional 4m unit booked
Commercial Stalls are charged at £35 plus £30 for each additional 4m unit booked
Public Relations stalls are free of charge and can only be the basic 4m size, and may be limited in number.
Stall-holders should note that Parsons Close is not a flat area and some stalls may be located on a slope.
Procession
There are three sections in the procession – Schools & Children’s Organisations, Open, Walking & Cycling. A prize of £50 is given to the winner in each section, rosettes are given to the first three in each section and every group entering the procession receives a certificate of participation. Walking groups have the option of starting at Tiddenfoot (approx 3 miles) or Bridge Street (approx 2 miles)
Each section winner receives a shield to hold for a year.
Each procession entrant can book a 4m stall pitch free of charge.
The procession route will be detailed on the Carnival website, but may be varied due to weather conditions, road works or advice from emergency services. We will endeavour to make changes available on the website, but short notice changes may not be displayed.
You can source your own vehicle, or contact S&J Pierce on LB 850009 to see how they can help you – S&J Pierce do not charge any fee for providing the vehicle and driver (we do not book vehicles for you).
Carnival Court
At the selection silent disco on 5th May at the May Fayre, hosted by MG Sounds, we chose our Carnival Court for 2025.
Pictured are (l-r) Princess Olivia, Senior Princess Beatrix and Princess Emily.
Entry was open to all young people in school years 4-8, who have a parental address in Leighton Buzzard or Linslade or who attend a Leighton-Linslade Middle School.
The Court selected at the disco was on the Royalty float in the Carnival Procession and was in the arena for the prize giving.
They handed out the cheques when the Carnival proceeds were distributed to local groups and organisations at the Presentation Night.
The Carnival Court took part in the Remembrance Sunday wreath laying, and in the switch-on ceremony for the Town Christmas lights.
in 2026 the Carnival Court will become Carnival Ambassadors.
Who We Have Supported
Over the years Carnival has supported dozens of groups by helping to raise awareness of these groups as well as awarding monies to allow groups to continue their great work in the local community.
As a result of Carnival 2025, we are pleased to have allocated nearly £5000 to support:
Bedfordshire Health Radio, Buzzer Bus, Leighton Buzzard Royal British Legion Club, Leighton Buzzard Scooter Club, Little Miracles, Rotary Club “ Yes We Can” programme, Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, UkieTooNes, 1st Totternhoe Scouts, Clipstone Brook Association, Hospice at Home Volunteers, Reclaim Life, TS Ocean Naval Cadet Corps, 1st Heath and Reach Scout Group, 4th Dunstable Scout Group, 5th Leighton Buzzard Brownies, 7th Leighton Buzzard Rainbows, Bedfordshire Inclusive Girlguiding, Dogs for Good, Leighton Town Football Club, Willow Bank Walk Cul de sac Residents.
The Carnival Court had £75 each to donate to an organisation of their choice. Gilbert Inglefield Academy – nominated by Senior Princess Beatrix, Society for Mucopolysaccharide Diseases (MPS Society) nominated by Princess Emily, Kids Out nominated by Princess Olivia.
All the awards are made from the funds raised through the Carnival events that are held throughout the year; the majority of the monies raised comes from our sponsors, programme advertisers and the bucket collections accompanying the carnival floats.
It is always hugely rewarding to know that the time and effort devoted to running Carnival each year helps so many local charities and causes, and that the funds awarded contribute to the ongoing running of so many groups.
We were pleased to welcome representatives of most of these groups at our Presentation Night and are grateful to the Royal British Legion Club for hosting the evening.
We are grateful to everyone that supported Carnival this year and look forward to their continued support in the future.
Pictured are the representatives of the various recipients in the top photo, and in the lower photo are representatives of the organisations nominated by the Court together with the Princesses.
