Wellingborough Town Council unveiled its 2026 community events calendar on 4 February 2026, aimed at bringing families together across Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. The council said the calendar combines regular weekly activities and major summer festivals, many of which will be free to access to help reduce the cost of attending town-centre events and to support local businesses.
The first headline event of the year is the traditional Pancake Race on Market Street, scheduled for Saturday 14 February 2026. The town-centre sprint traditionally uses a Market Street course of around 80 metres and contestants race while flipping pancakes. The council has scheduled the race on a Saturday (Valentine’s weekend) this year — a move the council and local analysts say should boost weekend footfall. Families can also attend Croyland Park junior parkrun every Sunday at 9:00am — a free, timed 2km event for children aged 4–14.
Looking ahead to the summer, Wellingborough Town Council has confirmed the Carnival Parade and Party in the Park will return in July 2026. The weekend celebration will start with a parade from Broad Green and finish with a festival at Croyland Park featuring live entertainment. Entry forms for the parade are already open and the council is encouraging local groups and small businesses to apply for stall spaces or sponsorship packages.
Cllr Graham Lawman, Leader of Wellingborough Town Council, said of the Carnival: “We’re thrilled to bring back the Wellingborough Carnival & Party in the Park for another year. It is a celebration of everything that makes the town a great place to live.” By releasing the events lineup earlier than in some previous years, the council hopes to secure more volunteers and local business partners to ensure these long-running traditions continue to be a staple of the community.
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