After a long pause during the pandemic, the Market Drayton Carnival is back and bigger than ever — and behind the scenes, volunteers like Louise Groves are working hard to make this year’s event a day to remember.
We caught up with Louise, one of the committee members alongside Jade, now in their second year of running the event since its return four years ago.
“It’s a real family event,” says Louise. “We’ve expanded into the town park with inflatables and animal activities, and we’ve got something happening in every part of town.”
A Town-Wide Celebration
This year’s Market Drayton Carnival takes place on Saturday 19th July 2025, and the action will stretch right across the town:
🛍️ Cheshire Street – Carnival market open all day
🎡 Queen Street carpark – Traditional fun fair
🎈 Town Park – Packed with activities, entertainment, food, and inflatables
🎉 Parade – 12 noon to 1pm, featuring floats, walking groups, and music
From 9am to 4pm, expect a full schedule of fun, with highlights including:
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Live music from Danny Drayton and Engage Radio
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Punch and Judy shows (three performances during the day)
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Alpacas and animal encounters
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Balloon modelling, face painting, and a colouring competition in the Storybook Corner
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Caribbean, Indian, Chinese and classic fairground food
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Performances from dance schools, cheerleaders, and amateur dramatics including a sneak peek at a Shrek production from a local group
“Most of the activities are free,” Louise explains. “The inflatables just need a low-cost wristband for the day. It’s a fun, affordable day out for families.”
Can You Help?
The Carnival relies entirely on volunteers and community support — and they need your help.
“We’re desperately looking for marshals to keep the day safe,” says Louise. “There are also opportunities to help on stalls, run games, or join in the fun — we’ve had goal-scoring challenges to raise money for town activities.”
Want to be part of the parade?
The organisers are still welcoming groups to join in. Whether you’re part of a school, club, charity, theatre group, or sports team — you can be involved. Past years have included:
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Brownies, Guides and Rainbows
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Local charities and community groups
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Sports teams
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Walking performers
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Marching bands and themed floats
“We want the parade to be as big as possible,” says Louise. “If your group has a float idea or just wants to walk with us, get in touch. It’s a brilliant chance to represent your group and bring some colour to the town.”
How to Get Involved
👉 Want to volunteer as a marshal or get your group in the parade?
👉 Want to run a stall or entertain the crowds?
📩 Contact the Market Drayton Carnival Committee via Facebook or email Mktdcarnival@outlook.com
📅 Date: Saturday 19th July 2025
📍 Locations: Cheshire Street, Bridge Street, Town Park & parade route
🎭 Let’s fill the streets with colour, music, and fun — and make this year’s Market Drayton Carnival the best one yet.
📣 Find out more about what’s happening this summer in town on our Summer Fun in Market Drayton page.
