So, in 2011 the carnival management group decided to break with the past and change the format of the parade for good. It would take place inside Alexandra Park and would be float-free. The emphasis would be on colour, costume and dance rather than float decoration.

The First Parade in the Park

Did it work? As a first attempt it certainly did. The majority of entries in 2011 were dance troupes and they brought a lot of colour and dance. Altogether there were 32 entries. Inevitably, there were a few problems, but the route worked and the parade was held.

Parade in the Park 2012

We're hoping to improve on this in 2012 and will be looking for new, innovative ideas that will help compensate for the noise and drama of the floats of old. Any ideas are welcome. In the meantime, please enter your group, organisation or charity into the event as usual.

Applications

Your Carnival entry may take the form a walking, dancing, cycling entry or a combination

of all or any of these and you can raise money for your group or charity throughout the procession from onlookers.

When you've completed the form

Once we've received your form we'll acknowledge receipt - either by return of email or by phone.

Once you are registered we'll send you updates on how the build-up to the Carnival parade is progressing. A couple of weeks before Carnival day, we will send you an official letter together with instructions on what to do on the day etc.