Free all-day parking at Northgate End for Bishop’s Stortford Carnival and Fun Day on Saturday June 21
Bishop’s Stortford BID (Business Improvement District) joint-manager Karen Burton writes for the Indie.
If you read my last piece in the Indie, you’ll know that Saturday June 21 is no ordinary Saturday - it’s the day Bishop’s Stortford gets out the bunting and adds a touch of magic to celebrate all that we are and all we aspire to be. Yes, Carnival Parade and Fun Day is nearly here!
Organised by the events team at Bishop’s Stortford Town Council, the carnival is our chance to come together in full Technicolor. And, for the first time this year, the BID is the headline sponsor. That may not sound like front-page news, but if you’re a town centre business it’s a game-changer.
Let me explain. Without sounding too much like the town centre’s answer to the Grinch, I have a confession: carnival used to pass me by – literally. My former business sat right on the parade route at Northgate End. I watched the excitement roll past the window - and keep rolling - straight to Sworder’s Field. Great for the crowds, not so much for footfall.
Customers would cancel or avoid town altogether, warned off by tales of traffic and road closures. It felt, at times, like being the kid left out of the school disco. Carnival was the popular gang, and the businesses? Sitting on the sidelines, watching the fun.
Okay, maybe that’s a little dramatic. But the point stands: the town’s businesses are a key part of the community and should feel part of the celebration too.
That’s exactly where the BID comes in. We’re here to bridge that gap, using our resources to add a little sparkle - not just for the day, but for the 51 other Saturdays of the year too.
While the town council has its focus on community participation and logistics (a huge job, by the way), we focus on supporting businesses and making sure the carnival isn’t just a lovely moment, but a real opportunity.
Our first big win? We worked with East Herts Council to secure free all-day parking at Northgate End. It’s the closest long-stay car park to Sworder’s Field and means visitors can come early, stay late and - here’s the key bit - wander into town before or after the main event.
And that’s not all! We’ve lined up a few carnival-day treats of our own: a face painter at Florence Walk, a steel band in South Street and princesses popping up with some unexpected magic throughout the town centre. We also have a BID gazebo on Sworder’s Field with extra free kids’ entertainment. And a few surprises we’re keeping under wraps for now!
Before and after the parade and fun day, our town centre businesses will be there to welcome you, while the food and drink traders will be ready and waiting with that pre- and post-carnival pick-me-up, whether it’s coffee, breakfast, cake, a family supper or a cheeky glass of something sparkling.
But what happens after the fun of the big day? How do we keep the carnival energy alive? How do we turn a one-day celebration into a year-round connection? Enter Discover Stortford - our brand, our guide and your way to stay in the loop. From what’s here to events, offers and hidden gems, plus updates from businesses to help inspire you.
So yes, carnival is coming and, this year, everyone’s invited to the party. Businesses, visitors and residents, both life-long and new. Let’s make a song and dance of it.
And in the weeks and months that follow? Let’s keep the spirit alive. Keep shopping local, keep discovering what makes Stortford great and, maybe, just maybe, let’s keep connecting like it’s carnival every day.
To stay informed, follow @discoverstortford on Facebook/Instagram or visit www.discoverstortford.co.uk.
