Bilston Carnival brings free family fun this Saturday

Name: Bilston Carnival
Start: 2026-07-04T11:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-07-04T17:00:00+01:00
Location: Hickman Park

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-07-01 13:28 3 min read

Colorful triangular bunting flags hanging over a plaid picnic blanket in a sunny park.

Bilston Carnival is back this Saturday, 4 July, with a 1960s-themed parade through the town centre before an afternoon of live music, children’s activities and food stalls in Hickman Park.

The event is free to attend and is aimed at families and the wider community. The parade starts at Broad Street, WV14 0BZ, at 11am, reaches Hickman Park, WV14 0LZ, at 12pm, and the park programme runs until 5pm.

Parade returns with a 1960s theme

The carnival has not been staged since 2008, and this year’s return begins by looking back to the decade when it first took place. The parade will move off from Broad Street at 11am, weaving through Bilston town centre before finishing in Hickman Park at noon.

The 1960s theme is the headline visual thread for the procession, giving the event a link to its own local history rather than simply restarting as a new summer fair. For residents who remember earlier carnivals, the route through the town centre is likely to be the first sign that the event has properly returned.

City of Wolverhampton Council said the carnival is part of a wider package of events driven by Bilston’s Pride in Place Regeneration Programme.

Councillor Stepehen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader and member of the Bilston Pride in Place Board, said he was excited for the carnival’s return and described it as a free event bringing Bilston and the wider Wolverhampton community together.

Music, children’s shows and hands-on activities in Hickman Park

Once the parade reaches Hickman Park, the main stage will host live music from WolvesStock Revival, Bluebird Belles and Dirty Rockin Scoundrels.

There will also be a children’s stage with a comedy magic show, wizard workshop, balloon modelling workshop and interactive story time. Free activities listed for the day include arts and crafts, facepainting, Shaun The Sheep Farmathlon, and sporting have-a-go sessions.

Food and drink stalls will be available in the park. Visitors are also being encouraged to bring camping chairs, blankets and picnics, making the afternoon closer to a community park gathering than a short procession-only event.

Community radio station WCR FM will be on site broadcasting during the day, with event updates and interviews.

What to know before going

Detail	Confirmed information
Event	Bilston Carnival
Date	Saturday, 4 July 2026
Parade start	Broad Street, WV14 0BZ, at 11am
Park programme	Hickman Park, WV14 0LZ, from 12pm to 5pm
Cost	Free to attend
Audience	General public and families

Visitors are advised to park in Bilston town centre and walk to Hickman Park. The council says all parking in Bilston is free. Local bus and metro services are also available.

The event sponsors are City of Wolverhampton College and Brewers Decorator Centres. Councillor Simkins said the carnival follows the opening of the new Bilston Market and comes during a week he described as a milestone for the town.

Source: City of Wolverhampton Council

Context & actions About this article

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This preview was built from the City of Wolverhampton Council notice and checked against the event brief for timing, venue, cost and programme details.

Checks

Confirmed the parade start point as Broad Street, WV14 0BZ, at 11am.
Confirmed Hickman Park, WV14 0LZ, as the main venue from 12pm to 5pm.
Checked that the event is listed as free to attend.
Used only the published lineup, children's activities, parking and transport notes provide...

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