Wellingborough gets ready for the carnival

Hundreds of people have already signed up to take part and there's still time for more to join in the fun.

Schools, businesses, pubs and individuals are all dressing up and taking part in the spectacular parade that starts at Broad Green at 12pm on Saturday and winds its ways through the town centre to Croyland Park.

Sue Bull, events manager at Wellingborough Council said: "The carnival is a really special day. It's a chance to forget about bills and daily life and just have fun. Everyone makes such an effort and some of the costumes are amazing. It's always colourful and you can't help but smile as the parade passes through town.

"There's still time for people to join in. We've just had a gentleman from Rushden sign up to put his classic car in the parade and of course we hope to have thousands of people lining the route."

The parade leaves Broad Green at 12pm and moves down the High Street, along Church Street and then Market Street before turning onto Midland Road and round Castle Way before heading up Sheep Street and Silver Street. It will then turn left into Oxford Street and head along Northampton Road before ending up at Croyland Park at around 1.30pm.

Sue Bull adds: "The event doesn't stop once the parade reaches Croyland Park. There will be a huge range of arena events in the park for people to enjoy - from a strongman act to displays of martial arts and majorettes, wrestling and comedy acts. There's also a folk marquee, a craft marquee, a fun fair and plenty of stalls for people to browse." 

Town centre roads will be closed between 12-2pm on Saturday and drivers are advised to avoid the area.

Anyone who wishes to take part in the parade can contact Sue Bull on 01933 229 777 or email events@wellingborough.gov.uk

The party weekend continues into Sunday, with live music from 12-6pm at Croyland Park for this year's Party in the Park.