Newport Pagnell Carnival 2026

Newport Pagnell Carnival 2026 – full weekend guide with Horizon Radio arena entertainment

Newport Pagnell Carnival returns on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July 2026, bringing two full days of community celebration to Riverside Meadow. One of the longest-running volunteer-led events in the region, this year’s carnival combines parades, live entertainment, family activities, food, and large-scale arena shows – with Horizon Radio proudly supporting and hosting the main arena entertainment across the weekend.

A weekend of carnival atmosphere

The carnival transforms Newport Pagnell into a packed programme of colour and activity across both days.

Saturday is the main showcase, featuring the famous parade, 5K run, fairground atmosphere, food village and arena entertainment.

Sunday continues the celebrations with a relaxed family feel, including the car boot sale, vintage and modern car rally, duck races and live attractions throughout the field.

Saturday 4th July – Parade, run and arena shows

Saturday is the busiest day of the weekend, with entertainment running across the town and Riverside Meadow.

Carnival Parade

The day begins with the iconic carnival parade making its way through Newport Pagnell streets before arriving at Riverside Meadow. Expect floats, themed entries, community groups, marching bands and local organisations taking part in one of the area’s most popular traditions.

Carnival 5K Run

A flat, friendly road run open to all abilities, the Carnival 5K brings runners through the town with crowd support along the route before finishing at the carnival field.

Riverside Meadow attractions

Once inside the field, visitors will find:

• Charity and community stalls

• Family games and tombolas

• Craft and handmade traders

• Funfair attractions

• Street food and sweet treats

• Licensed bar and refreshment areas

Entry is charged on Saturday, with free entry for under 5s.

Horizon Radio Arena Entertainment

Horizon Radio will be hosting and curating the main arena programme throughout the day, bringing a mix of:

• Live music performances

• Local talent showcases

• Family-friendly stage entertainment

• Crowd interaction and giveaways

• Build-up acts between headline arena features

The arena acts sit at the heart of the carnival experience, providing continuous entertainment from early afternoon through to the evening.

Sunday 5th July – Car boot, classics and duck racing

Sunday is free entry and offers a more relaxed day with a strong community feel.

Car Boot Sale

One of the largest regular car boot events in the area, with sellers arriving early to secure pitches. Expect antiques, bargains, collectibles and local traders across the field.

Vintage & Modern Car Rally

A showcase of classic and modern vehicles, featuring a town-centre drive-through before arriving on the carnival field for public display. It’s a major highlight for car enthusiasts and families alike.

The famous duck events

Sunday also includes the much-loved carnival duck races:

• Big Duck Race featuring decorated entries

• Baby Duck Race with hundreds of small ducks released into the river

• Prizes for winning entries and themed designs

Sunday atmosphere

Alongside the main attractions, the field hosts food vendors, stalls and relaxed entertainment throughout the day.

Getting there

Riverside Meadow is the main carnival site and is easy to reach from Newport Pagnell town centre.

Walking routes

Pedestrian access is available via several routes, including:

• Willen Road footpaths

• Iron Bridge approach

• Dove Close / Severn Drive entry point

Signage and volunteer marshals are in place to guide visitors safely into the site.

By car

Parking is available nearby, but spaces fill quickly on Saturday. Early arrival is strongly recommended, particularly before the parade begins.

Public transport

Regular bus services run into Newport Pagnell from Milton Keynes, with stops within walking distance of the carnival site.

Entry information

• Saturday: Paid entry (adults, concessions, children pricing applies)

• Sunday: Free entry

• Under 5s: Free on all days

Card and cash are accepted at the gate.

Horizon Radio at the heart of the carnival

Horizon Radio’s involvement brings live broadcasting energy, presenter-led arena hosting and on-the-ground coverage throughout the weekend. The arena becomes the focal point for performances, announcements and crowd entertainment, helping to keep the carnival atmosphere alive from start to finish.

Newport Pagnell Carnival continues to be a flagship summer event for the area, blending tradition with modern entertainment – and 2026 promises one of the strongest programmes yet across both days.