Leighton-Linslade Carnival is the longest running community event in Leighton Buzzard and Linslade. As a market town, Leighton Buzzard probably always had an annual celebration for the townspeople and Parson’s Close Recreation Ground, the current location for Carnival, is the perfect place for this annual event, with its many council-run facilities in the park itself and with the beautiful 12th century All Saints Church within just two minutes’ walk.
Carnival day starts early with Parsons Close Recreation Ground set up with a live entertainment arena, stalls, funfair rides, food and so much more – all ready and waiting for the procession to arrive later in the day.
Meanwhile, the carnival floats are decorated and the procession assemble early ready to start their journey along the designated procession route. Lots of people stop and wave the procession along and it’s always a pleasure to see so many smiling faces, young and old, as they appreciate the effort made by everyone taking part.
A collection is made along the procession route, which is always generously supported and the donations are part of the funds distributed to charities and community groups at the Awards Evening.
The procession ends at Parsons Close Recreation Ground, where the winners are announced and presentations are made in the live entertainment arena.Leighton-Linslade Carnival is a local event that has continued to give local residents a fun day out and an opportunity to participate in an event that nurtures community involvement.
In October each year we hold an Awards Evening, where we make a short presentation about our fundraising efforts and then proceed to award funds to the various nominations that we have received from the public.
All the awards are made from the funds raised through the Carnival events that are held throughout the year; the majority of the monies raised comes from our sponsors, programme advertisers and the bucket collections accompanying the carnival floats.
It is always hugely rewarding to know that the time and effort devoted to running Carnival each year helps so many local charities and causes, and that the funds awarded contribute to the ongoing running of so many groups.
Our biggest aim is to foster great community spirit and to involve all the local residents and the general public from further afield to enjoy this much-loved event. We also strive to encourage as many local organisations to participate. One of the biggest benefits is the financial support we provide to many local charities and causes.
Together we can help to build stronger communities that are proud of their town and its local events.