There are several ways you can be a part of Worcester Carnival in 2025 and beyond…

Below are some of the ways you could be involved in making this fantastic event happen for the people of Worcester. Links will be added to each section as and when applications are open.

Please note we will be refreshing our application forms and information for 2026 shortly.

Join the Parade

The parade is the highlight of Carnival Day.  The parade is made up of a mix of floats on lorries and walking groups, with all sorts of wild and wonderful arts and entertainment between.  In 2024, we had over 30 different groups take part including schools, community . – groups, businesses, dancers, street-entertainers, and costumed characters.

We set off from Pitchcroft at 3pm and follow a 1.7 mile route around Castle Street, Foregate Street, the Cross, High Street, Pump Street, City Walls Road, College Street, Deansway, Bridge Street, North Parade and Croft Road before returning to the Carnival Village at Pitchcroft around 5pm with rolling road closures to allow people to enjoy a safe and happy day. 

Don’t worry if you’ve never taken part in anything like this before – we have an experienced committee who will give you guidance on what to do.

To start with we need some essential info to get to know you and get you signed up.  This will only take a couple of minutes.  Once this is done we’ll be in touch to guide you through anything else we need to ensure that your participation is fun and safe. 

The Parade Participants Handbook with useful timings and terms is now available – Handbook – Parade Participants

Please click here to register to take part in the 2025 parade – Take Part in the Parade

Parade Theme

This year our theme is “Myths and legends”.

From the river goddess Sabrina to the towering cathedral, from the battle between roundheads and cavaliers to world leading artists and scientists, from local folklore to the many cultures that have made Worcester their home, and many more wild and wonderful tales beyond.  Worcester’s streets have countless stories to tell.  This year’s parade theme will inspire artists, community groups and businesses to bring those stories to life!

Join in the festivities as we bring Worcester to life – past, present and future!

Volunteer

Worcester Carnival is our city’s biggest outdoor event, free to every resident and visitor.

Are you an enthusiastic team player and happy to get stuck into a range of jobs, some physical some not, some on carnival day and some before/after the event throughout the year?

   We have many areas where you can get involved:  

• Sales & Marketing  
• Financial Administration  
• Secretarial  
• Logistics Planning & management  
• Traffic and Crowd Marshalling 
• Fundraising  
• Stage Entertainment  
• Social Media Management support  
• Communications & Publicity  
• Event management support.  
• Organise an affiliated carnival event  

We are also looking for support from local businesses and organisations who can provide equipment and logistics.  

Working with us you will be able to add value to the event, whilst giving opportunities to develop new skills, gain confidence, meet new friends and continue to bring this great event to all communities across Worcester.  

If you would like to get involved in one or more of the above subgroups please contact us at info@worcester-carnival.co.uk

We need volunteers to marshal the route – if you are responsible, look good in a hi-vis jacket and are available on Carnival Day?  They can sign up using this form: Volunteer and Marshal Form

Sponsor Us

Worcester Carnival returns to the streets of our city on Saturday 12th July 2025.

Our mission is to create Worcester’s biggest outdoors celebration, helping to make Worcester an amazing place to live and work.

We cannot do this without you.  We have a range of sponsorship packages available whether you’re a small business or nationwide employer, sole trader or global brand.  We’d love to talk about how we can work together to deliver something wonderful for the Worcester community.

For some suggestions of sponsorship packages, why not take a look at our Corporate Brochure? (PDF, 1.3MB).

So if you want to be at the heart of Worcester Carnival in this and future years, please contact Barry MacGabhann on corporate@worcester-carnival.co.uk 

Souvenir Brochure Adverts

An advert in Worcester Carnival’s official souvenir brochure is a great way to get your message seen by thousands of Worcester Carnival attendees, and show your support for this great community event.  The brochure will be available at sites around the city before and during Worcester Carnival full of high quality content to enhance the carnival experience.  The brochure is A5 size and adverts are available at full page (£110), half page (£80) or quarter page (£55).  Print deadline is 31st May 2025.  Please contact us at info@worcester-carnival.co.uk

Stallholders

Thousands of visitors flock to Carnival Village on Pitchcroft racecourse.  Throughout the day from 11am to 7pm we have a main stage providing live music and dance, a retro funfair and sports activities attracting the whole family.  

You’ll get to trade throughout the day and sell your local artisan food, drink or crafts or showcase the amazing work your charity or organisation does in our community. 

There will be space for 3×3 gazebos, market-stalls and catering vehicles.  If you’re not sure which space you’ll need get in touch with us on corporate@worcester-carnival.co.uk and we’ll work with you to find a solution.  

There are a few Ts and Cs to be aware of:

• Worcester Carnival takes place on Saturday 12th July 2025.
• You will be required to provide proof of up to date Public Liability Insurance and risk assessments (where appropriate) which will cover your activity on Carnival Day.
• Please note that, due to high demand and health & safety requirements, bookings are not guaranteed until confirmed by carnival organisers.
• Stalls must be paid for to confirm.  A member of the carnival team will contact you shortly after form submission to complete the payment.
• Please note our banking details changed in 2023, please check the payment details when you receive an invoice.
• Prices are based on a standard 3m x 3m pitch.
• Stallholders should arrive between 8am and 10:30am and no vehicular movement after 10:30am.  
• Stallholders will be able to leave after 17:30.  Opportunities to leave early while the parade is on between 15:30 and 16:30 by prior agreement with Event Control however you must have someone accompanying your vehicle across the site on foot.
• Alcohol vendors must apply for their own TENS licence to cover their stall.
• The carnival village site is in an open field, if using water or electricity you must bring your own as there is no mains supply.
• If you are using a generator or cooking equipment, you must have a suitable fire extinguisher.
• Worcester Carnival Committee are not liable in the event that Carnival is cancelled due to extreme weather, civil emergency, etc.

Please note we will not be able to accept any further applications from Ice Cream Vans at this time as we have already filled those pitches.  This does not affect other traders.

Please click here to download Arrival Information – Stallholders

Please click here to fill out the Stallholder Pitch Booking Application Form

The Carnival Ambassador

Building on the traditional role of “Carnival Monarch” we are looking for a community champion who embodies the spirit of our carnival. Do you care passionately about Worcester?  Not only will you lead the parade on 12th July 2025 but you will represent Worcester Carnival at events throughout the year around the city, promoting good causes.

If you are age over 18 and love to meet new people, work with communities and businesses across Worcester and have a great sense of humour then apply now.

Also, do you know a young person age 6 – 8 who is a keen upcoming community member who would love to support our carnival ambassador?  If so, let us know using the form below too.

Please note that applications for carnival ambassador are now closed.

Nominated Charities

Each year, our “bucket collection” raises money for nominated charities which provide services to the people of Worcester. 

Please ensure that you have read our Grants Criteria and Policy

Worcester Carnival Grants Policy.docx

Please note that applications for nominated charity are now closed.

Stage Performers

We are proud to be able to showcase local talent, not only in the parade but also throughout the day on our stages.  

Click here to apply to perform on the Community Stage:  Community Stage Performances Application Form

Worcester Community Lottery

You can now help to support us by taking part in the Worcester Community Lottery.

Worcester Community Lottery is an exciting weekly lottery that raises money for good causes in Worcester. All good causes supported by the lottery will benefit Worcester and its residents.

Play the lottery, support Worcester – it’s that simple!

Tickets for the lottery cost just £1 per week. Each ticket has a 1 in 50 chance to win a prize each week, with a top prize of £25,000!

Tickets details:  https://www.worcesterlottery.org/support/worcester-carnival