Newport Pagnell Carnival – “Carnival Tells a Story”

Dates: Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July 2025
Location: Riverside Meadow & Streets of Newport Pagnell, MK16 9DA

Why It’s Special

Newport Pagnell Carnival is one of the longest‑running and largest volunteer-run carnivals in the UK, celebrating over 60 years of community spirit. Entirely self-funded, it’s powered by local volunteers and sponsorships, with all proceeds benefiting good causes and charity .

Carnival Weekend Highlights

Saturday – Family Fun & 5 km Carnival Run

• 5 km Run: A mostly flat route through town with official timings and medals—perfect for both fun runners and families.

• The Parade: The centrepiece! A procession filled with floats, classic cars, clubs, charities, and performers winding through historic streets.

• Riverside Meadow Fairground: Entrance is just £2/adults and £1/concession (under‑5s free). Browse stalls, tombolas, crafts, games, and enjoy street food and the Carnival bar (cash/Card accepted).

• Main Arena Entertainment: Hosted on Riverside Meadow, featuring professional acts and rising local talent. Sponsorship announced early in the year.

• Music Stage: The Sunset Lounge presents local musicians on-stage, sponsored by Kirkby Diamond

Sunday – Community Favourites & Free Entry

• Free Entry to the field all day.

• Car Boot Sale: The region’s largest—pitch prices: £8/car or £12/van; drop in between 10–11 am at Riverside Meadow.

• Vintage & Modern Car Rally: In its 38th year! A stunning display of classic vehicles parading at 12 noon, then static show on the meadow.

• Big & Baby Duck Races: Big ducks themed by community groups, followed by 1,000 baby ducks racing. Baby duck tickets £1; prizes up to £100.

• NAWT (Hula) Dog Show: Fun for families and canines—entry £2 per class (11:30 am onwards); proceeds support NAWT Bedfordshire.

• Live Music Again: The Sunset Lounge keeps the vibes going with live local performances

Free Parking

• Location: Riverside Meadow via Welland Drive (postcode MK16 9DX)—this grants direct access to the field.

• Entrance Route:

  1. Turn onto Severn Drive (via Harben House—not near The Kings Arms)

  2. Left onto Thames Drive

  3. Left into Welland Drive

  4. Follow to a fork—take the left, where a gate leads onto the meadow for parking

• Signage & Assistance: Numerous signs and volunteers in high-vis will guide you—if unsure, just ask someone.

Please Do Not:

• Park on nearby residential streets—there’s ample space on the meadow. 

• Attempt entry via Tanners or Tanners Drive during the parade—it’s restricted.

• Expect to leave quickly: if the route is closed, vehicles cannot exit until reopened, which may take a few hours.

Quick Tips Before You Go

• Set your sat-nav to MK16 9DX for precise entry.

• Arrive early (well before parade begins) to avoid closures and guarantee a meadow spot.

• Follow event signage and volunteer directions for smooth access.

• Expect delays exiting the meadow depending on parade schedule—be patient.

Let me know if you’d like a site map or signage visuals to embed on your page!