PERSHORE is gearing up for its annual carnival this Saturday, 20 June which will bring colour, music and the community together for a day of celebration in Abbey Park.
The day which this year has a Country and Western theme starts at 10am with stalls, an animal petting area and funfair open to the public.
Registration for the fun dog show also opens at 10am.
Pershore Carnival will bring the community together for a day of music and celebration. s
At 11am a grand procession of floats will depart from King George’s Way and pass through town arriving at Abbey Park at 12pm which is when all the activities will formally open.
Visitors are in for a treat in the form of a variety of entertainment which includes live music from Lolly Parton and Pershore u3a Ukulele Band (amongst others), a Punch and Judy Show, and line dancing led by PODS.
At 1pm there will be a presentation to the winners of the best floats and the live music finishes off with The Renditions at 3pm.
Pershore Carnival 2026 chair Christine Searl told the Observer: “Pershore Carnival wouldn’t happen without the community getting behind the event and getting involved.
“This year the community has really rallied behind us and we are so grateful to have their support.
“I want to thank all the committee members for their hard work and effort gone into planning this year’s carnival.
“Giving up their own time and energy, to complete committee actions whilst balancing work, family, health conditions and caring commitments.
“All to keep the tradition of Pershore town carnival alive.”
This year she said there are more volunteers helping on the day than have been for the last five years and the committee are so grateful for their support.
“Again, we couldn’t do this without them,” she said.
“We would love the public to show their appreciation by attending Pershore Carnival, and throw some coins or notes in our bright blue procession collection buckets to support a local charity.”
“Most importantly we want people to come down, bring the family, some chairs, picnic blankets, have some fun and enjoy the free musical entertainment in the park or walk around enjoying the entertainment and stalls. There really is something for everyone”
This is the first year the carnival has moved to a new day and date having traditionally been held on the late Spring Bank Holiday.
These changes were made after feedback from the public about day falling during the May half term holiday, popular family holiday time.
It is also hoped that having the event on a Saturday also means that town centre shops and businesses will benefit from an increase in footfall.
Full programme
10am Stalls, catering, petting area and funfair open on Abbey Park.
10am Fun Dog Show registration open.
11am Procession departs King George’s Way and passes through town.
12pm Procession arrives at Abbey Park and activities open.
12.15pm Devon Mayson (On the Stage)
12.30pm Punch & Judy Show (Kidszone)
12.30pm Fun Dog Show starts
1pm Presentation to winners of best floats
1.15pm Lolly Parton (On the Stage)
2pm Line Dancing, led by PODS (in front of stage)
2pm Punch & Judy Show (Kidszone)
2.15pm Pershore U3A Ukelele Band (On the Stage)
2.45pm Line Dancing – led by PODS (in front of stage)
3pm On the Stage: The Renditions
5pm Carnival closes
This year’s procession bucket collection will be going to Pershore Men’s Shed and the carnival procession was chosen by members of Pershore School Council.
Road closures
The are road closures from 11am to 12pm affecting the town centre – Cherry Orchard, Redlands. Priest Land, Lower Priest Lane, Newlands, High Street, Church Street, Church Row and Abbey Road.
Emergency access will be maintained at all times.
See https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/travel-and-highways/roads-pavements-verges-and-lighting/roadworks-and-live-updates for details.
The event closes at 5pm.
