Ledbury Carnival, which is known to draw large crowds into the town centre every summer, will return in a few months' time.

The Ledbury Carnival Association has announced that the theme for 2026 will be 'Once Upon a Time...'.

They have said the theme is "not just about fairytales" with the theme's title, or similar phrases, having been used in Ancient Egypt, Aesop's fables and Shakespeare plays.

Mal Hughes, the association's chairman, said the theme gives participants "huge scope" for the procession and shop window displays.

He also said that planning was well underway for the event, which due to take place from 12pm on Bank Holiday, Monday, August 31.

"I am delighted to be able to announce the theme for the Ledbury Carnival 2026 as ‘Once upon a time’," Mr Hughes said.

"This theme gives families, schools, organisations and traders huge scope for a variety of ideas for our procession, shop window displays and all the other ways in which we can decorate and promote our town for our big carnival day.

Plans are well in hand to deliver yet another successful family day out for the people of Ledbury and visitors.

"Last year’s ‘Wonders of the World’ theme was enthusiastically adopted by many organisations and families who took part in the Carnival Procession.

"This year we hope that even more groups and families will take part. So, thinking caps on and let’s get planning for a great Ledbury day."

Huge crowds packed onto both sides of the High Street and The Homend for the 2025 carnival procession to watch the floats and performers pass through the town.

There are vacancies for two members of the association's committee, with anyone who would like to get involved asked to … [use the contact us page on this website] read more... read less

Ledbury Carnival Association and Ledbury Primary School have jointly launched the Children’s Ambassadors programme, selecting pupils to represent the views of young people across the town.

The ambassadors, chosen from a pool of applicants by staff and Carnival Association members, will attend civic events throughout the 2025/26 civic year and share children’s perspectives with the wider community.

Mal Hughes, chairman of Ledbury Carnival Association, said: "For many years Ledbury Carnival Association has chosen Carnival Queens, Princesses and Princes to take part in civic and town events.

"They have been an important part of Ledbury life and helped celebrate all that is good about our town.

"This new role of Children’s Ambassador was designed by the children to replace the role of Carnival Princess and Prince.

"Working with the school on this new venture has been a pleasure.

"We are very grateful to Ledbury Primary School and to the staff and parents who have been very supportive."

The ambassadors’ duties include representing the voices of children in the community, gathering feedback from their peers, and reporting back to the school council at Ledbury Primary School.

They will also be invited to attend various town events and civic functions during the year.

Charlotte Slocombe, a spokesperson for Ledbury Primary School, said: "We feel incredibly privileged to be working alongside Ledbury Town Council and the Carnival Association on this exciting initiative.

"The creation of the Children’s Ambassadors role is a powerful example of how we can come together as a community to ensure the voices of young people are heard and valued.

"It has been a joy to collaborate with such dedicated individuals who care deeply about Ledbury’s future.

"This partnership truly highlights what can be achieved when schools and community organisations work hand in hand for the benefit of our children and the wider town."

The Children’s Ambassadors made their public debut at Ledbury’s Community Day on June 7, where they toured stalls, spoke with representatives from local clubs and associations, and took part in activities at the Memorial Recreation Ground. read more... read less