22 Oct 2024
Around 20,000 residents and visitors are expected to flock to Harpenden’s annual Christmas Carnival and lights switch-on, which this year takes place on Sunday November 24 from 12 noon to 6pm.
The procession will begin at 3pm from Lydekker Park before travelling along the High Street up to Vaughan Road. This year its theme is ‘A Harpenden Winter Wonderland’ and the Pipes and Drums will lead the parade as tradition dictates, closely followed by Santa and his elves. Joining them will be stilt walkers and entertainers, Brownies and Rainbows groups, Police Cadets, Harpenden Colts FC, schools, entertainers, musicians, community groups and the cast of this year’s Harpenden Panto.
Live entertainment will be performed on two stages with community groups and music entertainment split between the two, including SASA School of Performing Arts, Hurst Children’s Theatre Group, Rock Choir, the Gang Show. and musicians from Roundwood School.
The Christmas Lights will be switched on at 5pm by the Town Mayor, Cllr Pip Liver, together with the winner of the Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition, a design competition open to children in Harpenden.
Cllr Liver said: “The Christmas Carnival always brings festive cheer and excitement to Harpenden and we are really looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors. It is wonderful to see so many people will be taking part from young performers on stage, incredible community groups in the procession and a
diverse range of small businesses. This event is a fantastic way to bring people together and of course enjoy our vibrant town.”
The Christmas Emergency Services Open Day will also be taking place again this year at the Harpenden Fire Station.
Free parking will be available at the Station car park starting at 12 noon; because of expected high attendance Harpenden Town Council encourages people to walk to the event where possible.
