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.
This summer has reminded us all how warm summer can be, we hope the sun will be shining at Carnival but please take care of yourself.
Shade is limited on the Carnival Field so please make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, wear sunscreen and reapply it regularly, bring a hat and sunglasses.
There is plenty of refreshments available on site, and we encourage everyone to enjoy the day safely. If you're feeling unwell due to the hear, then please visit the First Aid point
Yes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Barlow Carnival, provided they are kept on a short lead at all times.
Please remember to clean up after your dog and be considerate of other visitors, especially around busy areas, food outlets and children's activities.
We also recommend ensuring your dog has access to plenty of fresh water and shade, particularly during warm weather.
Yes. A wide range of food, refreshments and licensed bards will be available throughout the Carnival Day, every purchase from our vendors helps support Barlow Carnival continue for years to come.
Yes. You're welcome to bring your own picnic and enjoy it whilst watching the parade or on the Carnival Field.
Please help us keep the village clean by using the bins provided or taking your rubbish home with you.
No. Alcohol must not be brought onto the Carnival Field.
If you would like to enjoy an alcoholic drink during your visit, a range of drinks will be available to purchase from our licensed on-site bars. Every purchase from the vendors on site helps ensure Barlow Carnival can continue for many more years.
The Fun Fair is open:
No. There is no separate admission charge to enter the Fun Fair.
The Fun Fair operates on a pay-per-ride basis, so you only pay for the rides and attractions you choose to enjoy.
Yes. Barlow Carnival features a fantastic range artisan, craft and community stalls selling their wares on both the Saturday and Sunday.
Yes. We have a limited number of stalls available on the Sunday however we are full on the Saturday and all catering pitches have now been allocated.
We are committed to making Barlow Carnival as accessible and welcoming as possible for everyone.
However, the Carnival Field is exactly that, a grass field. While we do everything we can to make it easy to navigate, there are practical limitations that come with holding an event on open grand, and weather conditions can affect how firm or even the surface is.
Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters may find the site easier to navigate. Visitors using manual wheelchairs may wish to attend with a companion who can assist if needed.
Yes. Disabled toilet facilities are available both inside the Village Hall and at the temporary toilet facilities outside on the Carnival Field.
Yes. Disabled parking is available in the field directly opposite the Carnival Field, providing the closest parking for visitors with mobility needs.
No parking is available on site at the Carnival Field.
Yes, toilet facilities are available on site. The majority of these are temporary toilets outside on the Carnival Field.
Yes, baby changing facilities are available in the Village Hall.
Yes. Qualified first aiders are on site for daytime events on the Saturday and Sunday.
Please smoke or vape considerately and dispose of cigarette ends responsibility to reduce the ground fire risk in dry conditions.
No. Drones are not permitted during Barlow Carnival unless authorised by the organisers.
To ensure the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight can go ahead then no drones are allowed.
Yes. Carnival is all about making memories. Photos and videos will be taken during Carnival for use in future publicity and used on our website and social media.
We'd love to see your photographs from Carnival. Please tag us in them on social media and if you're happy for us to use them, email them to [email protected]
Yes. You're welcome to leave and return to the Carnival Field during the day.
Before you leave, please make sure you receive a hand stamp, as this will allow you to re-enter without paying again.
Please note that Rock the Carnival is a seperate ticketed event, which must be purchased to stay on the field after 6.30pm. Entry is by a valid Rock the Carnival ticket, which will be exchanged for a wristband on arrival. Your wristband must be worn throughout the event and allows re-entry to the event if required.
Absolutely! Volunteers are always welcome before, during and after Carnival.
We are on the look out for people to help out with:
Interested? Then email [email protected]
Yes. We're always looking for people to join the Committee to help organise future Carnival's and our other events. No previous experience needed just enthusiasm and willingness to get involved and a desire to help keep this fantastic community event thriving.
If you think you could contribute then please email [email protected]
There are lots of ways to support us:
Follow Barlow Carnival on Facebook and keep an eye on our website for the latest news, announcements and event information.
You can email [email protected].
As we're all volunteers, balancing Carnival alongside work, family and other commitments, please allow a few days for us to get back to you. We'll always respond as soon as we can, and we appreciate your patience.