Free Hereford River Carnival 2023 set for this weekend

The free event will be launching in Bishops Meadow, with it running until 5pm on Saturday (August 26).

Inspired by the Hereford River Carnivals of the early and mid 20th century, it is a celebration of the Wye and the communities that surround it.

On Fridat evening, there will be the ‘launch party’, featuring DJs, a fun fair, a performance from the Aspire drama group and a torch-lit procession. At 9.15pm, there will be an illuminated river display followed by a performance from the Hey Yahs Big Band.

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However, Saturday is the true carnival day, with a street carnival setting off from Maylords at 1pm and taking the party with them through High Town, Broad Street, King St, Bridge Street, Wye Street and onto Bishops Meadow.

Over 60 floats, boats and other watercrafts will take over the river itself, with locals encouraged to line the banks and wave as they go by.

There’s plenty of music on offer, with bands on four stages playing everything from reggae to rock.

Local traders will be running stalls in the Wye Valley makers marquee and plenty of food and drink will be available at the event.

There will also be 'make and take' workshops, dancing displays, an eco-village and fun dog shows. 

As if all of that wasn’t enough, there will be two after-parties. One will take place at the Spread Eagle in King Street, which will have live bands, pizza and a barbecue, while another at Babar Café in Union Street, which promises to be an evening of drag performances, music and DJs.

The event is entirely free and un-ticketed, however the Spread Eagle after party will be charging £5 on the door.