Carnival of the Baubles 2024 - Ashford Lantern Parade
The Ashford Lantern of Light Parade & Festival - Carnival of the Baubles 2024
Mark your calendars for Saturday 23rd November and join us in Ashford Town Centre for a fabulously festive day including:
- STUNNING LANTERN PROCESSION
- SAMBA & DRUMMING BANDS
- GIANT MECHANICAL PUPPET
- FAMILY WORKSHOPS
- FOOD & MAKERS MARKET
- ALL DAY ENTERTAINMENT
Join us for a full day of festive fun for the whole family – with a Christmas markers market, free lantern making workshops and performances at the Bandstand and Elwick Place.
Due to the Carnival’s increasing popularity, this year’s parade route has been reversed – now starting off from the Lower High Street at 5pm, finishing in spectacular style outside The Ashford Cinema at Elwick Place.
This year’s parade will be led by a giant Firebird. With a fountain of sparks from its beak, it will help guide the procession of local schools, youth and community groups and Ashford based businesses through the town.
The theme for this year’s parade is Ashford – The Place That Makes Us. Emergency Exit Arts, famed for their awe-inspiring displays each year at Glastonbury and The Lord Mayor's Show in London, are leading on the creations with Made In Ashford. They are already busy getting this year’s lantern builds underway.
Thank you to our joint presenting partners and sponsors, Bucksford Law Ltd, EKC Ashford College, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and You Fibre.
Carnival of Baubles build at home lantern kits:
Purchase a kit for £5 on the Made in Ashford website. BUY KITS HEREEither have it delivered to your home or save on postage by collecting it from the shop located in Park Mall, Ashford Town Centre.
Carnival of the Baubles Lantern Making Workshops
County Square Shopping Centre
Various dates 2nd,9th,16th November
Join in with this year's Carnival of the Baubles event by making your own beautiful festive lantern and proudly parading it in the giant illuminated procession through town!
Here's your chance to craft your own Christmas lantern using willow and tissue paper. The workshops are being run by Made in Ashford in County Square and are perfect for all the family to enjoy. The sessions are aimed at 5 years+ and grown-ups are very welcome to make a lantern too.
SEN Lantern Preview
See the lanterns in a quiet setting in small groups for people with SEN needs as well as session for those who cannot attend the parade for other reasons. See the lantern preview by clicking here