Carnival of the Baubles is back with a bang!

The build up to Christmas will be even more exciting this year, as the spectacular Carnival of the Baubles will be returning to light up Ashford town centre this December.  

Loveashford, in conjunction with Ashford Borough Council and in partnership with Emergency Exit Arts, Made in Ashford and a host of talented local artists are pleased to welcome Carnival of the Baubles back to our high street on Saturday 11 December.

Come along and watch a procession of giant illuminated lanterns and baubles decorated by children from local primary schools, make its way from Elwick Place, up Bank Street and through the Lower High Street where it will end with a festive finale!  

Themed around disco and dancing, this year’s parade will also host a special appearance from Emergency Exit Art’s Disco Turtle – a giant mechanical puppet that will lead the procession full of glitter and light through the town, accompanied by the best disco tunes. The disco vibes will continue into the evening with a family-friendly disco party on the bandstand hosted by Ashford College students, where you can bust a move and show off your dancing skills!   

The day will also include live music on the bandstand and in Elwick Place throughout the day. What’s more, the fabulous young dancers from Liv2dance will be showcasing some festive dances to get us all in the Christmas spirit! 

Pick up unique Christmas gifts at the Makers Market in Park Mall, then warm up with delicious hot street food and drink at Kent Food Hubs’ evening market in the lower high street.    

Want to get involved in the event?

You can make your own beautiful Christmas lantern to use in the procession through the town, or to take home and hang in your window. The family-friendly workshops will take place in The Craftship (opposite Made in Ashford in Park Mall).   

So save the date in your diary and rally up your friends and family for this fabulous Christmas, community event.   

When: Saturday 11 December  

Where: Procession starts at Elwick Place at 5pm and ends in the Lower High Street   

10am - 6pm: Park Mall Makers Market – Christmas version!  

11am – 2pm: Live Music on the Bandstand from Revelation Ashford   

11.15am – 3pm: Live Music in Elwick Place  

10am - 2pm: Public lantern-making workshop at the Craftship (opposite Made in Ashford)  

4pm – 8pm: Evening Food Market by Kent Food Hubs (Lower High Street)  

5pm: Procession starts from Elwick Place   

6pm: Procession ends at lower High Street  

6-8pm: Family disco and rave on the Bandstand  

Cllr Nathan Iliffe, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Corporate Property at Ashford Borough Council said: “After a difficult year, and a particularly difficult winter in 2020, it’s fantastic to see such a vibrant and exciting event light up our town centre.

“This is the perfect occasion to come together and celebrate all that Ashford has to offer this Christmas. Please come along and support our hardworking local business community, and enjoy a whole day of festive activities in Ashford.”

As an added bonus, from Saturday 20 November Ashford Town Centre will be gleaming under pretty Christmas lights, and you’ll be able to admire the Christmas tree opposite the Bandstand in the High Street.  

For more information on dates and location for the Carnival of the Baubles, visit Loveashford online.