The Ashford Lantern of Light Parade & Festival - Carnival of the Baubles 2026

Our favourite time of year is back again in 2026! The fantastic Carnival of the Baubles. This year it will be taking place on Saturday 21st November in Ashford town center.

• STUNNING LANTERN PROCESSION
• SAMBA BAND
• GIANT MECHANICAL PUPPET
• FAMILY WORKSHOPS
• FOOD & MAKERS MARKET
• ALL DAY ENTERTAINMENT

Join us for a full day of festive fun for the whole family – with a Christmas markers market, free lantern making workshops and performances at the Bandstand.

Due to the Carnival’s increasing popularity starts off from the Lower High Street at 5pm, finishing in spectacular style outside The Ashford Cinema at Elwick Place.

This year’s parade will be led by a disco turtle banging out the tunes with a DJ riding it. Then a procession of local schools, youth and community groups and Ashford based businesses wit parade through the town.

The theme for this year’s parade is Dance. Emergency Exit Arts, famed for their awe-inspiring displays each year at Glastonbury and The Lord Mayor's Show in London, are leading on the creations with Made In Ashford. They are already busy getting this year’s lantern builds underway.

Thank you to our joint presenting partners and sponsors, Ashford designer outlet.

Carnival of Baubles build at home lantern kits:
Purchase a kit for £5 on the Made in Ashford website. BUY KITS HEREEither have it delivered to your home or save on postage by collecting it from the shop located in Park Mall, Ashford Town Centre.

Carnival of the Baubles Lantern Making Workshops 
County Square Shopping Centre
Various dates 31st October, 7th November & 14th November.

Join in with this year's Carnival of the Baubles event by making your own beautiful festive lantern and proudly parading it in the giant illuminated procession through town!

Here's your chance to craft your own Christmas lantern using willow and tissue paper. The workshops are being run by Made in Ashford in County Square and are perfect for all the family to enjoy. The sessions are aimed at 5 years+ and grown-ups are very welcome to make a lantern too.

Book Here!

SEN Lantern View

See the lanterns in a quiet setting in small groups for people with SEN needs as well as for those who cannot attend the parade for other reasons. Sun 22nd November 10 - 4 in the Old H&M unit by the escalators in County Square. 

Lantern View

Lanterns on show Sun 22nd November 10 - 4 in the Old H&M unit by the escalators in County Square. 

Festive Market 

Fri 20th No 9 - 5.30 
Sat 21st Nov 9 - 5.30

Sun 22nd Nov 10 - 4
in the Old H&M unit by the escalators in County Square. 

Info for lantern Makers:

You will need to collect your lantern rigged on a pole with a light in it from the muster point on East Hill, Ashford town centre (the road opposite Kaspa's where the Star pub is) at 4.15pm Saturday 21st November. 

We will then process our winter carnival from 5pm through town lead by one of the much loved EEA giant puppets & ending for a fantastic finale at Elwick Place. This is where you will be guided to take your lantern to a member of the team in high vis to be quickly derigged so you can take your lantern home if you wish. 

• Date                   Saturday 21st November 2026
• Meeting time    4.15 pm
• Address             Starting on East Hill
• where you will collect your finished lantern

Please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult during the event

The procession will commence at 5.00pm

The procession will gather at East Hill and end at Elwick Place.

Here participants will be invited to take their lantern creations home with them we will collect the lights (if they are ours) and the sticks from the lanterns before they leave the finale point.

• What to wear:   Please wear warm waterproof clothing, comfortable shoes and bring a snack/drink