About

Bath Carnival 2026 promises an unforgettable day of colour, creativity, and community spirit as it returns to Sydney Gardens on Saturday 11 July.

This free family festival will bring together an eclectic mix of entertainment for all ages, featuring two stages of live music, independent food and drink, and a vibrant array of walkabout acts, puppetry, dance performances, and face painting.

Party in the Park at Sydney Gardens (10am - 10pm)
Live bands, DJs, food and drink, licensed bars, walkabout acts, Super Pirates play area & community village.

Bath Carnival Procession (3pm - 5:30pm)
Drumming bands, dancers, costumes, giant puppets, sound systems, eco-floats, schools and community groups.

The carnival procession will see over 1,000 performers take to the streets, showcasing local residents alongside professional carnival artists.

Spectators can expect a mesmerising display of samba bands, Rio-style dancers, stilt walkers, and spectacular costumes, creating an atmosphere like no other.

Family events
Festivals in Bath
Things to do in Bath

FAQs

When is Bath Carnival?

This year's Bath Carnival takes place on Saturday 11 July 2026.

Where is Bath Carnival?

Bath Carnival takes place across the city centre, starting with celebrations at Sydney Gardens which go on all day (10am - 10pm), with the main carnival processions starting at Bath Rec Ground at 3pm. 

How much does it cost to attend Bath Carnival? Do I need a ticket?

Bath Carnival is totally free to attend, including the festival at Sydney Gardens, kid’s Carnival at the Bath Recreation Ground and the procession. You do not need a ticket to attend any of the events. Just show up and join in the fun!

What route does the carnival procession take?

The procession starts at Great Pulteney Street at 3pm and then continues along to Pulteney Bridge before turning onto Grand Parade, then Orange Grove, High Street, New Bond Street, up Milsom Street and along George Street, before coming back down Broad Street, onto Walcot Street and back towards the finale on Great Pulteney Street. The procession will last approximately two hours. Road closures will operate between 2pm and 6pm, with diversion routes in place.

What’s the best way to get into Bath city centre on the day of the Carnival? 

There will be significant disruption to the road network in the city centre on the day of Bath Carnival.  We advise using public transport or walking where possible. Sydney Gardens and Bath Recreation Ground are both just a short distance from Bath Spa Station and several bus routes. Plan your journey with TravelWest, or find out more about Travelling to Bath.

Can I bring my own food and drink to the festival?
Please do not bring alcohol into The Party in the Park at Sydney Gardens. There will be licensed bars selling reasonably priced drinks throughout the event. The profits from the bar are a valuable source of income for this community project. *There is a no-glass policy on site.

Accessibility

There will be disabled toilets at both the Sydney Gardens and Bath Recreation Ground events.

For wheelchair users involved in the procession, there are additional exit points along the route which can be used if required.