The Carnival is not in fact just a parade but a whole day of local celebration and events.

The Carnival Parade - 12.00pm to 1.30pm

A parade of floats, bands, decorated vehicles, bikes, majorettes and walking groups through the streets of Oundle.

The participants in the parade will be lined up upon the length of Milton Road waiting to go at 12.00pm. The roads will be closed to normal traffic and local residents are asked to take up their viewing point along the whole route (not just the Market Place) to see the spectacle.

The official parade route commences at the cross roads of Glapthorn Road, New Street, Blackpot Lane and Milton Road and will head into the town centre past the Great Hall and War Memorial turning left towards the Market Place. From there the parade will continue through the traffic lights on North Street, past the Football Club and into New Road where the procession will end as the various vehicles end up parked on the Recreation Ground. See the Parade Route page

Following the parade all those who have watched and taken part are encouraged to head to the Rugby Club for a programme of afternoon events and music from local youth bands.

The Events Arena - 1.30pm to 4.30pm

Following the Parade, it is intended that there will be a full afternoon range of activities and events to be held at the Rugby Club.

An Events Arena will be constructed on the Rugby Club playing fields and will be surrounded by stalls run by local organisations and businesses.

A two hour programme of arena activities is planned to include; Tug of War, A World Record Attempt, Majorettes, Magicians and Street Performers, Display Teams, Local Performers and Emergency Services Demonstrations.

It has been confirmed that there will be a low level fly past (200 feet) of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (includes a Lancaster Bomber, Hurricane and a Spitfire) as well.

Open Stage for Local Bands - 4.30pm to 6.30pm

In the Carnival Marquee to be erected on the Rugby Club playing fields there will be an open stage session for youth bands to turn up and perform on. A series of local bands will each be given the opportunity to perform a mini-set. There may be an element of competition introduced to give it a ‘battle of the bands’ edge – watch this space.

An Evening of Music, Dancing & Fireworks – 6.30pm to 11.30pm

Following the completion and clearing of the afternoon activities, The Rugby Club playing fields will transformed into a more mature musical concert area centred on the Carnival Marquee and Stage.

A mix of professional and keen amateur musicians will be invited to take to the stage to provide an eclectic mix of musical entertainment as the sun slowly goes down on the longest night of the year. Concert goers will be invited to bring along a rugs, chairs and their own picnics, however there will be a BBQ and food stalls available as well as a full bar operating from the Rugby Club.

It is hoped that the event will gain sufficient sponsorship from local businesses to be able to put on a fireworks display to round off the evening.