Illuminated fire-breathing bird to head up Ashford’s 2025 Carnival of the Baubles Christmas parade

A Christmas parade led by a giant lit-up firebird will return to illuminate a town centre’s festive carnival.

Having been cancelled last year, the annual Carnival of the Baubles parade is to return for an evening of lights, entertainment, food and children's activities in Ashford.

The event is a procession of giant, illuminated baubles decorated by children from primary schools across the borough.

This year's march will hit the town centre on Saturday, November 22 to mark the festive season - and features a new route.

It is also taking place for the first time in two years after Storm Bert forced the event to be cancelled in 2024.

Due to the gala's growing popularity, its now-reversed path will see it set off from the Lower High Street at 5pm.

It will then hit Bank Street before reaching its climax outside The Ashford Cinema at Elwick Place.

This year’s carnival will be led by a giant firebird lantern, which, with a fountain of sparks from its beak, will help guide the procession of revellers and Ashford-based businesses through the town.

Hundreds of residents, Ashford school children and college students will also take part in the parade.

The theme for this year’s event is Ashford – The Place That Makes Us.

Arts and participatory display company, Emergency Exit Arts, is leading on the creations alongside Park Mall-based business, Made In Ashford.

Cllr Heather Hayward (Ind, Roman ward), portfolio holder for tourism and culture at ABC, said: “The Carnival of the Baubles is a much-loved event, and I am looking forward to seeing it return in all its glory this year.

“Every year, I look forward to seeing the fabulous creations from our community and am truly delighted that so many residents, schools, community groups and businesses are so eager to get involved in the event.

“A huge thank you to everyone who makes Carnival of the Baubles happen, as I know it’s not easy, and I hope that everyone joins us on the day, which promises to be truly magical.”

St Mary’s Christmas fayre, a Christmas makers’ market and live performances at the Bandstand and Elwick Place will also take place.

Every Saturday in November leading up to the festival, children can make their own miniature baubles at workshops to carry on the night.

Those wishing to book workshops can do so by visiting Made in Ashford's website.

The 2023 event featured an enchanted forest theme and was led by a five-metre puppet, Farrah the Fox.