In pictures: Harpenden Christmas Carnival makes long-awaited return

Christmas kicked off in spectacular fashion in Harpenden on Sunday, with a surprise snowfall minutes before the lights switch-on.

Thousands of people attended the Christmas Carnival event, which featured entertainment, rides and hospitality throughout the town centre.

Highlights included the traditional procession, led by The Harpenden Pipe Band, with Rainbows dressed as Christmas trees and Santa waving to the crowd from the comfort of his sleigh before returning to his Grotto on the Common.

Local acts including the Harpenden and Wheathampstead Gang Show, SW Dance, Showtime Circus, Roundwood Park School and St Albans Rock Choir entertained throughout the day on two stages.

Harpenden Town Mayor Cllr Paul Cousin said, “It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying themselves in Harpenden. The town council would like to thank attendees, local businesses, stall holders, supporting organisations, and the Harpenden Christmas Carnival Working Party, who all helped to make it such an incredible occasion. We would also like to give special thanks to SA Law for supporting the 2021 Carnival and helping to make it such a success!”

Gill Garrett, partner and director of finance and business support for SA Law said, “The Harpenden Christmas Carnival 2021 was a fantastic day and I am delighted that SA Law had the opportunity to support it. Community spirit is very important to everyone at SA Law as well as our clients – being involved in an event that is open to everyone and that all ages can participate in is brilliant. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at SA Law.”

Harpenden Town Council is also hosting Christmas light switch-on events in Southdown and Batford: The Southdown Christmas lights switch on will include festive stalls, Santa’s grotto, carols, fun fair, lantern parade and more on December 3 from 5.30-7.30pm; The Batford Christmas lights switch on event, which will feature carols, craft activities and more, takes place on December 5, 4.30-6.30pm.

Herts Advertiser: Harpenden Christmas Carnival. Harpenden Christmas Carnival. (Image: Copyright Ali Asplin © 2021. The Artist hereby asserts her moral right to be identifed as the author of this work in accordance)