Mansfield Carnival has quickly become one of the town’s most anticipated annual celebrations. Don’t miss it this year — on Saturday 1st August from 12.00pm to 5.00pm. It will be a day where the community comes together, cultures shine, and the town centre bursts into life with music, movement and joy.
Visitors can expect a full day of entertainment woven through the heart of the town centre with live performances on the main stage kicking off at 12.00pm with DJ Kilo.
At 12.00pm, the beating heart of the celebration begins: the carnival parade, including Donna Fox with her incredibly impressive costumes, local dance production Mproduction Time 2 Show, Nottinghamshire’s Zodiacs and the wonderful Green Power group, as well as community dance groups, gymnastic clubs, local organisations and more.
Starting on Leeming Street at Mansfield Museum and Art Gallery, this spectacular procession will flood the streets with dazzling costumes, drumming troupes, dancers and community performers. It’s the moment the town truly comes alive — a moving tapestry of colour and sound that captures the essence of carnival culture.
As the parade arrives back at 12.50pm the unforgettable Punjabi Drummers take to the main stage, followed by local Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Rock Choir and Jude Kirk and the Regeneration, returning MUHA and Dialtones from 2025’s event, and brand new Lux City Choir, who will close the event at 5.00pm.
Look out for Patrick Poppywopple, the giant puppet bird, brought to you by the same people as last year’s magpies and flamingos, Ayup Puppets and City Arts. And two face painters on Leeming Street will be offering free designs to all.
Down on the Market Place, an international street food court will offer flavours from around the world, including burgers, Nigerian, Caribbean and Greek, along with local makers bringing an extra layer of personality to the festivities. Have a stroll around local business stands, local artists with unique gifts and charities with fun games for all the family.
The popular Zest Theatre will also be located there with their brand new ZoneGo, which is touring around Mansfield before and after the Carnival date. They will be welcoming our community’s young people and immersing them into a world of art, culture, games, hobbies and fun! With an open mic / second performance area next door, you can see locals showcasing their poetry, songs, written word, raps, comedy, etc. Whether you’re five or fifty, there will be something to make you smile.
Mansfield Carnival isn’t just an event — it’s a celebration of who we are. It’s a reminder that community is something we create together, and that joy is contagious when shared. So gather your friends, take the family, and dust off your brightest outfits for another fantastic free event.