Saturday 24 October | From noon | Carlisle city centre | FREE
Carlisle — and anyone else who fancies joining us — is invited to watch, dress up and join in for a day of live music, circus, street performance, markets, games, funfair and a new twilight procession through the heart of the city.
At the heart of Carnivale is Absolutely Barking — 20 performers, musicians, circus artists, makers and assorted mischief-makers from the UK, Ireland and Sweden creating performances and encounters around a space known as The Biscuit Tin.
There’ll also be markets, a funfair, games and plenty of opportunities to join in, before the day builds towards a new twilight procession and the Carnivale finale.
And there’s plenty happening across Carlisle that day too — Museum of the Moon at Carlisle Cathedral, West Walls Oktoberfest, Antarctic Monkeys at the Old Fire Station and The Legends: Vegas – After Hours at the Sands Centre.
Come for Carnivale. Explore the city. Eat, drink, shop, stay over. Make a day — or a weekend — of Carlisle.
When
24
- 24
October 2026
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JOIN THE PROCESSION Individuals, families, friends, workplaces, clubs and community groups are all welcome. Carry a torch or help bring one of our yet-to-be-revealed parade creations through Carlisle.
Click HERE to join our procession. There will be spaces on the day to join in and carry a fire torch- please ask at the info stand.
FANCY DRESS FOR DOGS If your dog has been waiting for their moment, this is it.
Click HERE to enter your furry friend into our annual Fancy Dress for Dogs competition
DRESS UP No registration required. Wear a mask. Bring some colour. Put something ridiculous on your head.
Show yourselves off — and show the Great Border City at its best.
Downloadable versions of the event programme and maps:
If you’re heading into the city on Saturday 24 October, please plan ahead:
Lanes Car Park - Open during normal hours, but closes at 6pm. If you’re planning to watch the evening procession, you’ll need to park elsewhere.
Fisher Street Car Park - Closed due to the road closures in place for Carnivale.
Castle Car Park - Still open, but with reduced parking available due to the funfair.
All other car parks - Open as usual. Where possible, consider walking, cycling or using public transport to get into the city centre.
Public Transport
There are regular trains and buses to the city with minimal road closures in place so please consider using public transport where possible. The event is 5 mins walk from the train station and bus station.
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