Bakewell Carnival 2012

Bakewell Carnival is the Biggest and Best Carnival in Derbyshire. Fitting for the Capital of the Peak District.

Carnival Day itself with a gigantic Procession is held in the afternoon of the first Saturday in July at the end of a busy Carnival Week.

The whole town comes to a standstill for a couple of hours as the huge and colourful procession of decorated floats, bands and musicians, fancy dress characters and Carnival Queens from all over the North of England make their way through the ancient Bakewell streets to the merry sounds of singing, loud music from brass and steel bands with the spectacle being enjoyed by cheering crowds of thousands of onlookers.

As well as treasure hunts, fun runs, fell races and pet shows Carnival Week highlights include a huge raft race on the Thursday evening and a duck race on Wednesday in the river Wye with all sorts of other evening entertainments all around the town including the not to be missed Jack Russell races.

During Carnival Week the town also shows off numerous brilliant examples of the ancient tradition of Well Dressings. Always great to see.

Bakewell Carnival Week also brings thrills, spills and squeals to the otherwise peaceful town when a travelling fairground arrives for a few days running from Thursday to Saturday.