Community gears up for Houghton Regis carnival this weekend
Houghton Regis is getting ready for another day of celebration at its annual carnival this weekend.
The fun kicks off in the Village Green at 10am on Saturday (July 11).
A new feature for 2026 is the ‘People Powered Parade’, which will set off from the visitors centre at Houghton Hall Park at 10am. It will take a new route through parkland, past the Kitchen Gardens and onto the Village Green at 10.30am.
Prizes will be handed out for the best-dressed walker, best-dressed group, and most original entry.
There will be stalls, food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, boxing sessions and a circus skills workshop to keep children entertained throughout the day.
The carnival arena will host a full day of entertainment beginning at 10am with the Pantasy Steel Band. At 10.30 am, the event will welcome the ‘People Powered Parade’ onto the Village Green, followed by an official opening by the Mayor and prize presentations at 11.00 am.
The carnival entertainment starts at 10am with the Pantasy Steel Band, followed by the Mayor’s opening speech and handing out prizes.
A live performance by Donna’s Dance School starts at 11.20am, and then On Pointe Dance Academy is on at 12pm.
The Last of the Summer Ukuleles will take to the stage at 12.30pm, and Rhythmix Dance will perform at 1.30pm.
Awards for Beat The Street and carnival stalls will be handed out at 2pm, followed by a performance from the Roberts Family Band. The day's arena schedule wraps up with the Krisgar Children’s Magic Show from 3pm to 4pm.