Harpenden’s Christmas Carnival will take place this year on Sunday 27th November from 12pm-6pm, with festive entertainment and activities throughout the Town Centre. This event promises to be a fantastic celebration for residents and visitors of all ages and we are delighted to announce that local UK Solicitors Practice, SA Law, will continue to be the Principal Sponsor of this exciting celebration.

Gill Garrett, Harpenden resident and Partner, Director of Finance and Business Support of the Carnival’s PrincipalSponsor SA Law, said "The Harpenden Christmas Carnival is an integral part of our seasonal celebrations; with many SA Law staff members being residents who enjoy the carnival year after year. It’s a pleasure to be able to contribute to the Town's Christmas experience in such a positive way. Importantly, many elements of the Carnival are free to attend and enjoy, making it an accessible and inclusive event. We are delighted to be supporting our community by helping to spread some festive joy.”

Following the popularity of previous Christmas events, the Carnival will include the features that Harpenden’s

residents and visitors have come to expect such as a Santa's Grotto, food stalls, outdoor bars, the Christmas market, entertainment, a traditional procession and, of course, the spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On at 5.00pm.

The procession is always a highlight of this event and this year will be no exception. The Town Council is delighted that the Pipes and Drums will again lead, closely followed by Santa and his elves. Joining them are stilt walkers and entertainers, Police Cadets, Brownies and Scout groups, The Little Gym and Showtime Circus.

The procession begins at 3pm; from Lydekker Park it will travel along the High Street up to Vaughan Road.

Live entertainment will be spread over on two stages: the Community Stage entertainment will include the Hurst Children’s Theatre Group, Harpenden and Wheathampstead Gang Show, SW Dance, Showtime Circus, Musicale, the Harpenden Panto and St Albans Rock Choir. On the Music Stage we're delighted to announce the return of singer Simon Cragg and cover band Right as Rain, two Harpenden favourites to get the crowds in the mood for a festive celebration.

Additionally, the funfair will be situated along the High Street and Church Green, and the Farmers Christmas

Market, outdoor bars and food stalls will also be along the High Street.

Aside from the live entertainment, children can expect Christmas themed craft workshops and, of course, Santa will be greeting children at his Santa’s Grotto from 12.30-5.30pm.

The Christmas Lights will be switched on at 5pm by The Town Mayor, Cllr Lisa Scriven 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.

In addition to the Carnival, St Albans and Harpenden Volunteer Police Cadets and Harpenden Fire Station will be hosting a Christmas Emergency Services Open Day at the Fire Station in Leyton Road.

Harpenden Town Mayor Cllr Lisa Scriven said, “The Christmas Carnival is a really exciting event in Harpenden with a wonderful festive atmosphere. It is always a pleasure to see residents and visitors of all ages enjoying the entertainment, food and drinks, as well as doing a spot of Christmas shopping. We would like to thank SA Law for supporting the 2022 Carnival as our Principal Sponsor and helping to make this year’s event such a success!”

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 details can be found at www.harpenden.gov.uk.

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