A Welcome Message from the New Mayor of Bishop’s Stortford

It is a great honour to welcome you all to the 2026 Bishop’s Stortford Carnival – one of the most cherished and vibrant events in our town’s calendar.

Carnival day is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, celebrating the spirit, diversity, and pride that make Bishop’s Stortford such a special place to live and visit. The parade is always a highlight, and I am delighted to see it return this year with a spectacular showcase of creativity, colour, and entertainment, inspired by the theme ‘Stortford Old and New’ – a fitting tribute to both our rich heritage and our bright future.

I encourage everyone to make the most of the celebrations by joining us at Sworders Field for the Carnival Fun Day. With a fantastic range of stalls, delicious food from around the world, live performances, and activities for all ages, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the Carnival Cruise along the river, where you can admire the beautifully decorated boats – I look forward to presenting the award for the Best Decorated Boat.

This fantastic event is made possible through the hard work of Bishop’s Stortford Town Council as organisers, alongside the valued support of the Bishop’s Stortford Business Improvement District (BID).

I hope you all have a safe, happy, and memorable Carnival, and that you enjoy celebrating everything that makes our town unique.

Warmest wishes,

Mayor of Bishop’s Stortford

Cllr Martin Adams