Northampton Carnival 2026: Everything you need to know including timings and road closures

The annual event of colour and joy will take place at The Racecourse in Kettering Road on Saturday June 13 from midday until 7.30pm.

At the main event venue, there will be a host of talent on the main stage, including emerging artists, bands, DJs, vocalists, dancers, choirs and community performances, a fun fair, food vendors, arts and crafts, charity and information stalls. Entry to the event is free.

The parade will leave the park at 2pm, as floats and tropes will make their way down Kettering road through the town centre, and return to the park via Wellingborough Road by around 4.30pm.

2026’s theme is “Unity in Masquerade, Many Stories, One Parade”, which has been chosen by organisers to give hope and the opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate. Attendees are invited to “step into a world where every mask tells a story and every step brings us closer together”.

According to the Met Office, the weather is also looking up for carnival day, with highs of 21C, less than a five percent chance of rain and expected full sun for most of the afternoon.

Parade route

• Begins at The Racecourse
• Right onto Kettering Road
• Abington Square
• York Road
• St Giles Street
• St Giles Square
• Wood Hill
• Abington Street
• Abington Square
• Wellingborough Road
• Abington Avenue
• Abington Grove
• East Park Parade
• Right onto The Racecourse

Road closures

The parade route and surrounding roads will be closed between 1pm until 5pm on Saturday June 13.

East Park Parade will also be closed from 6pm on Friday June 12 until 6pm on Saturday June 13.

Organisers said: “For anyone planning their journey on Carnival Day, road closures will be implemented and removed in phases as the parade moves around the route. This means different sections of the route will be affected at different times throughout the afternoon.

“There will be traffic management staff, stewards, security and police officers positioned throughout the route to assist residents and visitors during the day.”

Live music stage schedule

• Midday - 1pm: Inspiration FM/Set It Off Sound (DJ Set)
• 1pm – 1.15pm: Malcolm Dunn & Friends (Folk, Blues & Jazz Band)
• 1.20pm – 1.30pm: St Mary's Ukrainian School (Dance Performance)
• 1.35pm – 1.50pm: Velvet Engine Band (Alt Folk & Indie Rock Band)
• 2pm: Parade departs from The Racecourse
• 2.05pm – 2.30pm: Inspiration FM/Set It Off Sound (DJ Set)
• 2.30pm – 2.45pm: Northampton Sings Choir (Pop & Rock)
• 2.50pm – 3pm: Exten (Dancehall Artist)
• 3.05pm – 3.10pm: Errol Lamzi (Reggae & Lovers Rock Artist)
• 3.15pm – 3.30pm: Sai Asri (R&B & Soul Artist)
• 3.30pm – 3.45pm: Inspiration FM/Set It Off Sound (DJ Set)
• 3.45pm – 4.05pm: Alley Diva (Soul, Motown & Reggae Artist)
• 4.10pm – 4.25pm: LI - LikelSaid (Hip-Hop & Rap Artist)
• 4.30pm – 4.50pm: A Civil Case (Reggae Artist)
• 4.55pm – 5.45pm: Parade Showcase (Dance Performances)
• 5.45 – 6pm: Parade winners announcement
• 6pm – 6.30pm: Inspiration FM/Set It Off Sound (DJ Set)
• 6.25pm – 6.40pm: MMAP Studios Showcase - Tayon (Rap Artist)
• 6.45pm – 7pm: Anna-Marie Johnson with Live Band (Soul, House & R&B)

Anyone driving to the event is urged by organisers to use town centre car parks.

Dogs are welcome, but should be kept on a lead.

Search ‘The Northampton Carnival’ on Facebook for updates on the day.