The countdown is on for one of Andover’s biggest community events of the year, with Andover Carnival returning on Sunday 19 July 2026 for a full day of live entertainment, music and family fun, all while supporting local charities.
Residents and visitors can expect a packed programme across the town, with performances in Vigo Park, live entertainment on the High Street, a carnival procession through the town centre and a dedicated chill-out area in Pocket Park.
Live Music in Vigo Park
Entertainment begins from 12 noon, with Test Valley Brass performing near the entrance to welcome visitors as they arrive.
The main stage line-up then includes:
- 12.15pm – Reload
- 1.20pm – Rock Choir
- 2.20pm – Lani
- 3.10pm – Mad Melodies Pop and Rock Choir
- 4.10pm – 5 Nights at Adyans
- 5.15pm – Common Ground Duo
- 6.10pm – Stonepig
- 7.30pm – No Way Out
Organisers are promising a fantastic day of live music suitable for the whole family.
High Street Entertainment
The High Street will also be buzzing with local performers throughout the afternoon.
The schedule includes:
- 12.00pm – Ian T. Jukebox
- 12.30pm – Paul Sharman Hewerdine
- 1.00pm – Umay
- 1.30pm – Jamie
- 2.00pm – Angel Jones
- 2.30pm – Richard Baugh
- 3.20pm – Rosie Spencer
- 4.00pm – Dan Finch
Pocket Park Chill-Out Zone
Those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere can head to Pocket Park, where Arkitex Soundsystem will be playing a selection of chill-out, roots, reggae and dub music.
The Pocket Park entertainment runs from 12.00pm until 4.30pm, offering visitors the chance to take a break from the carnival crowds.
Carnival Procession
The traditional carnival procession gets underway at 4.00pm, making its way through Andover before finishing in Vigo Road.
Expected timings are:
- 4.00pm – Procession leaves (Weyhill Road, by Colebrook Way)
- 4.15pm – Andover Nursing Home
- 4.35pm – Beech Hurst
- 4.45pm – Salisbury Road Roundabout
- 4.55pm – Bridge Street
- 5.15pm – High Street (NatWest)
- 5.20pm – Eastern Avenue
- 5.30pm – Vigo Road
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early at their chosen viewing point as large crowds are expected along the route.
A Great Day for the Community
Andover Carnival continues to be one of the town’s most popular annual events, bringing together local musicians, community groups, charities and residents for a day of celebration.
With entertainment taking place across multiple locations from midday through to the evening, there will be something for all ages to enjoy. Organisers are also reminding visitors that the event supports local charities, making it not only a great family day out but an opportunity to support good causes within the community.
Supporting Local Charities
At the heart of Andover Carnival is its commitment to giving back to the local community.
Each year, the Andover Carnival Committee selects two local charities to benefit from its fundraising activities. For 2026, around 12 organisations applied for support, with each invited to take part in a panel interview before the committee made its final decision.
Every penny donated through the Carnival Day bucket collections, along with a share of the event’s proceeds, will be split equally between the two chosen charities.
This year’s beneficiaries are Stormbreak and Andover Child Contact Centre, two organisations dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people across the local area.
Stormbreak
Stormbreak’s mission is to embed mentally healthy movement into children’s everyday lives, believing that children are happier and healthier when they are active.
The charity encourages children and trusted adults to move together, creating opportunities to build emotional resilience, improve wellbeing and develop important life skills. By combining movement with open conversations, Stormbreak aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and help children feel confident talking about their emotions while supporting one another.
Andover Child Contact Centre
The Andover Child Contact Centre provides a safe, welcoming and neutral environment where children can spend valuable time with a parent or family member they no longer live with following family breakdown.
Through supported contact sessions, trained volunteers help families rebuild and maintain relationships in a relaxed, confidential setting, always keeping the child’s wellbeing at the centre of everything they do. The service provides invaluable support to families across the Andover area during difficult times.