Thousands of Ashford residents line the streets of the Town Centre to enjoy festive fun at Carnival of the Baubles

Ashford’s Carnival of the Baubles returned to the Town Centre on Saturday 22 November, with businesses, schools, and community groups making their way from the Lower High Street to Elwick Place carrying giant, illuminated baubles.

The day was packed with activities from beginning to end, featuring craft workshops led by the Made in Ashford team at the bandstand and a range of performances including Ashford Panto, Simia Circus and East Stour Community Choir, to keep visitors entertained. Ashford Sleigh also brightened up many people’s day with a visit from the man himself, Father Christmas, who posed for photos with residents. County Square Shopping Centre also opened one of their units to host a pop-up marketplace, with lots of festive gifts and treats on offer. From 2pm onwards the unit also hosted more, amazing live performances, including Liv2Dance & Theatre Train, and Confidance, which were both real highlights of the day.   

The crowds gathered at the Lower High Street from 4.30pm, saving their spots on the parade route. It was then time to go – with a giant mechanical fire-bird, Liv2Dance and Radio Ashford’s Sam Griffin in a floating disco cloud, leading the parade alongside our Leader of the Council, Noel Ovenden, Sojan Joseph MP and Cllr Winston Michael. 

When the parade began, the rain started too, but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. Participants danced, sang, cheered, and were showered with confetti as they made their way through the streets of Ashford to Elwick Place. The grand finale featured amazing drumming performances, lively disco music, even more confetti, and an electric atmosphere! 

Cllr Heather Hayward, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture, Policy and Performance at Ashford Borough Council said: “I want to express my gratitude to everyone who took part in this year’s Carnival of the Baubles—it truly was a memorable evening. It was fantastic to witness so many members of Ashford’s diverse community joining the parade. The crowds were amazing, and even the rain couldn’t dampen the fun or the festive spirit that the Carnival brings to the Town Centre. Without a doubt, it was an unforgettable night.”

Ashford Borough Council would like to thank the Designer Outlet for sponsoring this year’s event and helping to make it even bigger and better than ever before. 

Early feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive, with many taking to social media to discuss the Carnival. Here’s just a snippet of their feedback:

“So good to see Ashford full of light and music and everyone enjoying themselves.”

“It was so lovely to see the town buzzing with so many people, so much laughter, music, dancing and the most beautiful bauble parade. Even Santa had some amazing dance moves going on! Big thank you to everyone who made this possible and enabled so many families and friends to make some beautiful memories together.” 

“What a brilliant turn out in the soggy weather for Carnival of the Baubles. Well done to all involved and all your hard work. It was amazing!!! There was a real sense of community spirit, and I didn’t hear one moan about the weather. And Santa...You were a star!!! You have certainly got some moves. Brilliant night. Thank you, Ashford.”

“Excellent great to see lots of families out despite the rain, need more events like this”

“My son and I were part of the parade with our star lanterns. It was wet and cold but we danced our way and still enjoyed it. It was great to see such a turn out.”

“Well done all especially the Liv 2 Dance dancers in their Santa hats who danced amazingly well.”

This year’s event was organised in partnership with Ashford Borough Council and Emergency Exit Arts with Made in Ashford and supported by town centre businesses and a host of talented local artists. 

Organisers would love to hear your feedback, so please fill in a quick survey on loveashford.com