Mansfield Carnival returns for fourth year
Mansfield is in gear for the return of its free town centre carnival with a colourful day of parades, live music, including a top gospel choir, street entertainment, food, dance and family fun.
Back for a fourth time, and taking place on Saturday, August 1, the Mansfield Council event will focus on live music on the main stage in Leeming Street and food and family entertainment in the Market Place, bringing the streets to life with performers, costumes, drumming and dance for a full afternoon of entertainment.
Inspired by the energy and spirit of carnival culture, this year’s theme focuses on One Town One Celebration.
Executive mayor Andy Abrahams said: “The carnival is for everyone and one of the town’s most anticipated annual occasions.
“What makes this event so special is its heart-warming spirit.
"It isn’t just an event – it’s a celebration of who we are.
"It’s a reminder that community is something we create together.
“We’ll be celebrating the huge range of cultures that make up our community in a day that reminds us how powerful shared experiences can be, how music, dance and creativity can bring people together in a way few things can.
“We hope it will be a day of infectious joy, so bring your friends, family and carnival spirit to Mansfield’s biggest summer celebration.”
The carnival is possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England as part of Mansfield Council’s status as a National Portfolio Organisation.
On August 1 there will be a full closure of Leeming Street, between St Peter’s Gate and Toothill Lane, from 7.30am until 7.30pm.
Other streets in the town centre will be closed for about 30 minutes while the parade passes through between 12noon and 1pm.
They include:
- Leeming Street from Toothill Lane to Market Place
- Church Street, from Market Place to White Hart Street,
- White Hart Street to Queen Street
- Queen Street to Stockwell Gate,
- Stockwell Gate, from Queen Street to Market Place,
- West Gate, between St John Street and Market Place
- Regent Street from Westgate to Clumber Street
- Clumber Street to Toothill Lane.
The main stage lineup features DJ Kilo’s roots and reggae sounds, the energetic Punjabi Drummers, the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Rock Choir, Mansfield’s Make a Start group, Mansfield-born rock ’n’ roller Jude Kirk and The Regeneration, Nottingham-based folk fusion act MUHA, crowd favourites Dial Tones, and gospel powerhouse Lux City Choir, semi-finalists on this year’s Britain’s Got Talent.
A colourful street parade will bring together Donna Fox’s spectacular costumes, MProductiontime2show dancers, the Zodiac All Stars carnival troupe, Mansfield’s Green Power art group, community dance groups, gymnastic clubs and other local organisations.
Visitors can also enjoy free face painting on Leeming Street, street entertainment from Ayup Puppets and City Arts, and an open mic stage showcasing local poetry, music, rap, comedy and spoken word.
In the Market Place, a street food court will offer flavours from around the world alongside stalls from local craftspeople, artisans and businesses.
Zest Theatre’s new ZoneGo experience will immerse visitors in a world of art, culture, games, hobbies and fun.
For more information visit mansfield.gov.uk/events/event/1497/mansfield-carnival-2026