Crowborough combines a traditional carnival atmosphere with an impressive evening procession through the town. Expect flaming torches, visiting bonfire societies and plenty of noise and colour as one of the season’s early celebrations gets underway.
Details below are from the Society’s Carnival 2026 page. Procession route, road closures and full evening timings are still to be published, check their news page for updates.
Carnival Day at a glance
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 13:30 | Carnival Day Fete opens on Chapel Green |
| 14:30 | Fancy Dress Competition judging starts |
| 15:00 | Make a Guy Competition judging |
| 16:15 | Make a Guy winner announced |
| Evening | Torchlit procession, bonfire and fireworks (timings to follow) |
Carnival Day Fete
The fete opens at 13:30 on Chapel Green and runs through the afternoon ahead of the evening procession. Expect entertainment, refreshments, stalls and displays, a raffle, and both carnival competitions.
All proceeds go towards putting on Crowborough Carnival and the Society’s chosen local charities.
Fancy Dress Competition
Open to children up to 16 years old, with multiple classes to enter. Judging starts at 14:30. See the Carnival programme for the full list of classes.
Make a Guy Competition
Bring your Guy to Chapel Green any time during the fete, with contact details attached. Judging is at 15:00, with the winner announced at 16:15. There is a cup for the winner and cash prizes up to 3rd place.
Programme
The official Carnival programme is on sale now for £1, setting out the full day’s timetable. Stockists around town include:
- Blu Barbers
- Brew Box, London Road
- Brew Box, Goldsmiths Park
- Carson’s Tea House
- Crowborough Shoe Repairs
- Crowborough Social Club
- Fieldbuss Newsagents
- Guest Shoe Services
- Images
- Value Essentials
- White Hart, on the Green
- Zest
Charity
Every penny collected in the Society’s buckets during the afternoon and evening goes straight to this year’s local good causes — the Society keeps none of it. For 2026 the beneficiaries are:
- The Good Company People
- Smiles Sensory & Family Farm
- Artytime
- Crowborough First Responders
Donations can also be made online via the Society’s JustGiving page. Costumed collectors carry buckets along the procession on Carnival Day.
More about the Society: crowboroughbonfiresociety.co.uk