Barlow Carnival takes place over five days. The date is dictated by the Feast of St Lawrence (Patron Saint of the village church) and locals will tell you that the Blessing of the Wells always takes place on the first Wednesday, after the second Sunday in August. This means that in 2026 it will be 12-16 August, with Carnival Day on Saturday 15 August
Most of our events take place at Barlow Village Hall & Recreation Ground, Millcross Lane, Barlow, S18 7TA. Find out more on the Finding Us page
Yes! The Carnival offers a parade, fun fair, live entertainment, games, stall, food, competitions and activities for all ages.
The parade leaves Springfield Road at 1pm on Saturday 15 August
Anywhere along the parade route (Springfield Road to The Peacock @ Barlow pub) offers a great view. Please arrive early as roads close from 12.45pm
Yes. Entry is free. Floats and vehicles must pre-register, while walking fancy dress entries do not need to.
For the safety and enjoyment of all we respectfully ask that nothing is thrown from or towards floats or vehicles in the parade.
The parade is free to watch. Entry to the Carnival Field is charged.
Adults - £3
Children - £2
Separate charges apply for our Open Air Cinema and Rock the Carnival events.
Barlow Carnival is organised entirely by volunteers and is run as a not-for-profit community event. Every year, the cost of putting on a safe, enjoyable Carnival continues to rise, from entertainment and infrastructure to insurance, toilets, first aid and much more.
We know that the cost of living is affecting everyone, so we work hard to keep our admission prices as low as possible. We believe Barlow Carnival offers fantastic value for money and a great day out for the whole family at an affordable price.
At the end of the day, putting on a great Carnival costs money, and your admission fee helps make it all possible. Any surplus is reinvested into future Barlow Carnivals, helping to keep this much-loved village tradition alive for generations to come.
Yes. Carnival Field tickets are available from local pubs and cafe before Carnival Day.
Buying in advance helps us speed up your entry on to the Carnival Field.
Tickets for the Open Air Cinema and Rock the Carnival are available via this website.
Yes, but the mobile network isn't great in the village so we recommend bringing some cash just in case.
Yes. Temporary parking is available thanks to the generosity of local landowners, all car parks will be signposted from the main road.
No. Please avoid parking on the parade route to ensure the parade can pass safely through the village.
Please also do not park where traffic cones have been placed. They are there to keep roads clear, maintain access for emergency vehicles and help the event run safely and smoothly.
We're working hard to provide as much free off-road parking as possible, and we encourage visitors to use these designated parking areas whenever they can.
Yes. The Stagecoach 16 bus stops close to the Carnival Field.
Yes. A drop-off point is available outside Barlow Village Hall. Please direct taxis or your lift here to help ensure traffic through the village can keep on moving.
No, not really. The nearest is at Co-op Newbold Village, approx 2.5 miles, so we recommend bringing all the cash you will need.
We encourage all forms of car free transport to Carnival, although cycling is not permitted on the Carnival Field and there is no designated bicycle parking available.
Yes. The Carnival will go ahead in most weather conditions. Please dress appropriately for the forecast. In the unlikely event of severe weather affecting the event, updates will be posted on our website and social media.