Not long to go until Carnival of the Baubles 2025 lights up Ashford Town Centre

On Saturday, 22 November, Ashford Town Centre will host its annual Carnival of the Baubles, featuring an impressive night parade.

There's plenty to enjoy throughout the day, with festive entertainment and activities for all ages. Be sure to grab a spot along the parade route by 5pm.

Leading the parade is a spectacular five-metre-tall Fire Bird, flapping its wings to drumbeats and shooting sparks from its beak, adding to the glow of the town's Christmas lights and illuminated lanterns.

Thanks to growing popularity, this year’s parade will start in the Lower High Street, head up to the Bandstand, then turn down Bank Street, ending outside The Ashford Cinema at Elwick Place.

Local schools, youth groups, community organizations, and businesses have crafted themed lanterns inspired by "Ashford – The Place That Makes Us." Look out for fantastic designs, including a stag and a steam locomotive.

Timetable for the day
10.00am-12.00pm: Christmas Fayre at St Mary’s Church
10.00am-5.00pm: Food & Creative Market at County Square Bauble Station
10.00am-2.00pm: Kids crafts at County Square Bauble Station
10.00am-7.00pm: Food and Drink stalls at Middle Row & Bandstand
11.00am-1.30pm: Kids crafts at Bandstand
12.00pm-3.30pm: Performances and live music at Bandstand
2.00pm-4.30pm: Performances and entertainment at County Square Bauble Station
2.00pm-6.00pm: Face Painting at Bandstand
3.00pm: ELF Post Office, kids crafts, Santa, food stalls and more at Elwick Place
5.00pm: Carnival of the Baubles Parade starts on Lower High Street
6.00pm: Carnival of the Baubles Parade finale with a dancing in the street disco at Elwick Place

For all the above to take place safely, please be aware that there will be road closures on Bank Street, Ashford High Street and Elwick Road during the parade times on Saturday 23 November.

Buses from Bank Street will also be temporarily relocated to Vicarage Lane between 4pm – 7pm.

A huge thank you goes to our festival and events sponsors Ashford Designer Outlet, who are helping raise the profile of this year’s events and will be a part of the parade.

Cllr Heather Hayward, Portfolio Holder for Tourism and Culture at Ashford Borough Council, said: “The Carnival of the Baubles is a much-loved event, and I am looking forward to seeing it return in all its glory this year. Every year, I look forward to seeing the fabulous creations from our community and am truly delighted that so many residents, schools, community groups and businesses are so eager to get involved in the event. A huge thank you to everyone who makes Carnival of the Baubles happen, as I know it’s not easy, and I hope that everyone joins us on the day, which promises to be truly magical.”

For more information and to start planning your day please visit www.loveashford.com