Shaftesbury Carnival 2026
A message from our Chairman, Rich
What a year! 2025 was another fantastic Shaftesbury Carnival, with the town once again packed to the pavement edges for both parades. The evening saw an increase of entries and spectators, which was fantastic to see, thank you
A huge thank you must also go to all the acts who filled the town with entertainment throughout the day. We really appreciate everyone who gives their time and talent to make Carnival such a special occasion.
The High Street closure is a great opportunity for everyone to get involved. Please come down, support our local businesses, shop local, eat local and enjoy the acts performing throughout the day.
The weather has been incredibly kind to us over the last three years, and, taking no chances, I’ve already paid the deposit for the same again! Let’s hope that does the trick!
The street collection continues to be an important source of fundraising for the Carnival, and every penny really does count. Last year’s Carnival cost in excess of £12,000 to put on, so your generosity and support make a huge difference in helping us continue this much-loved tradition.
To all our new residents, welcome to Shaftesbury!
We hope to see you at this year’s Carnival. It really is the one day of the year when the town lights up quite literally and the whole community comes together to celebrate with music, colour, laughter and a good dose of community spirit.
And now for the really exciting bit, next year we turn 150!
We have lots of things planned to celebrate this incredible milestone, so please keep your eyes peeled for announcements, events and plenty of Carnival fun.
Here’s to Carnival Number 149 let’s make it even bigger, bolder and just a little bit more bonkers… in the best possible way!
See you at Carnival!
2026 Beneficiaries
Shaftesbury Town Silver Band
They are celebrating an outstanding 2nd place finish at the South West Regional Competition earlier this year. This achievement secured the band an invitation to the National Finals, which they have proudly accepted. This will be the first time in the Band's history they've completed at the National Finals - a fantastic achievement! This result also means the Band have been promoted as of January 2027. They have been fundraising hard and are incredibly grateful for the support they've received from so many local organisations and members of the community. Their generosity has helped make this special opportunity possible.
Ludwell Primary School
A welcoming, friendly village school at the heart of our local community. We are proud to provide a naturing and inspiring environment where children are encouraged to learn, grow and develop their individual talents. Our dedicated staff work closely with families and the wider community to give every child the best possible start. Funds raised through the Carnival will help support our pupils by providing valuable resources, experiences and opportunities that enhance their education. We are incredibly grateful for the Carnival's support and for helping our children thrive.
Shaftesbury Bowling Club
Shaftesbury Bowling Club is run and maintained by its members and is proud to have one of the best full size 6-rink outdoor bowling green in the area set within the 'Shaftesbury in Bloom' award-winning garden.
During the 25/26 season many fixtures were played in and around the County, and due to the wonderful work oof the in-house Ground Keeping Team, Shaftesbury was chosen by the County to host several competitions, which is a great honour.
Everyone is welcome to visit the club and try their hand at bowls!
2026 Royalty
Carnival royalty goes back over 140 years and along the way we have seen hundreds of individuals crowned Queen and Princess of Shaftesbury Carnival. In 1942 a Queen was chosen but never got to parade due to the war and this saw a break in the carnival until the end of the war. More recently our current royals have been in power since 2019 due to covid 19 pandemic. In 2019 we introduced a Royal Prince and a junior Princess role. The role of the royal family is asset the carnival committee at events as the face of the carnival. They attend all the carnival events wearing the Royal Sashes, the events include, Bingo, Quiz night, band concert and carnival day to name but a few. The royals are in reign for one year and represent us during this time. 2023 saw the change from carnival granny to carnival grandparent to be inclusive of all the Grandads who want to get involved! 2025 was so popular for Junior Princess we decided to crown two. 2026 has seen our very first Carnival Grandad, keep an eye out for the outfit slideshow!
Carnival Grandad
Richard Bevis
I have 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. I am a HGV Recycling Driver collecting around South West area, including Shaftesbury.
I also served in the Royal Air Force as a Fire Fighter.
My 60th Birthday is on Carnival Day!
Carnival Queen
Daisy Berry
I'm a creative and enthusiastic person who loves expressing myself through crafts, art and performing.
Performing at Shaftesbury Arts Centre is especially meaningful to me, as i love being on stage and sharing my passion with others.
Carnival Princess
Harper Chant
I am 9 years old. I love to draw and make things. I'm looking forward to being Carnival Princess and being part of the Carnival Royal Family with my twin brother Hugo as Carnival Prince it should be lots of fun.
Carnival Junior Princess
Harloe Higgs
I am 6 years old and my favourite colour is pink. I love going to the park with my cousins. I love doing arts and crafts. My favourite animal is a unicorn, and people often describe me as kind and caring.
Carnival Junior Princess
Billie Hunt
I am 6 years old, I love colouring, singing and dancing. And I like dressing up and being a princess. I have two older brothers.
Carnival Prince
Hugo Chant
I'm 9 years old I love football and gaming. I have a twin sister called Harper we live in Shaftesbury with our mum and our brother and sisters I'm looking forward to being Carnival Prince.
