| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | Monday 2 March 2026 |
| Application deadline | Friday 1 May 2026 |
| Late applications deadline | Friday 19 June 2026 |
| The event | Saturday 11 July 2026 |
| Prizes presentation at City Hall | Thursday 16 July 2026 at midday |
Join the Procession
This year’s theme is "Wild About Norwich", a chance to celebrate the untamed beauty of our city and its surroundings. Think wild spaces, woodland magic, rare wildlife, birds and all the creatures that call Norfolk home.
Draw inspiration from:
- Wildlife and plants – butterflies, bugs, birds, river dwellers, reeds, trees and woodland wonders.
- People and stories – folklore, imaginative tales and made-up creatures that could live in the wild!
- Eco-conscious creativity – use recycled or natural materials and design entries that can be reused or recycled afterwards.
Lord Mayor's logo
Get imaginative!
If you’re able, dream up rolling floats that glide through the streets on wheels, bursting with colour and creativity.
Build vibrant carnival puppets, towering characters, and wild costumes that celebrate everything unique, joyful and wonderfully "Wild about Norwich."
Add movement, rhythm, and moments of surprise - drumbeats that echo down the road, eco-friendly giveaways that delight the crowd, or playful pop‑up performances that make people laugh, dance and smile.
Let your creations bring the parade to life and turn the whole city into a celebration - participation is free.
How to apply
Applications to join the parade officially closed on Friday 1 May 2026.
However, we are accepting late entries until Friday 19 June 2026 - please note that options may now be limited.
Apply to join the procession
Key dates
Important guidelines
- All entries must be worn, pushed, pulled, or carried by your group. Think pushbikes, wheelbarrows, pushchairs, or even upcycled wheelie bins!
- Support walkers should also embrace the theme "no normal” clothes. You’re part of the party!
- Entries should embody the spirit of carnival, not advertising. The more energy and creativity you bring, the more the crowd will respond!
- All creations must be risk assessed, robust and tested. Do not create anything potentially hazardous to others and won't fall apart on the day. If you need advice or support, we’re here to help.
- Share your creations on social media to showcase your hard work and help spread the joy.
Let’s make this year’s parade a celebration of Norwich’s wild side - its wildlife, green spaces, and vibrant creativity!
Designing your entry
Consider these principles - noise, height, and interaction. The more visible and audible you are, the better! We welcome puppets, instruments, live or amplified music, and choreographed movement. Engage with the crowds – they’re there to cheer you on!
Think sustainably - Wherever possible, use eco-friendly, recycled, or repurposed materials in your costumes, props, and floats. Aim to design entries that can be reused or recycled after the event. Creativity and sustainability go hand in hand so let’s make this a carnival that celebrates both nature and responsibility.
Ensure structures are stable and have suitable braking or stop systems. The route includes slopes, and the pace will be a slow walk, taking about an hour to complete. The parade will move continuously, with two to three scheduled stops for up to 2 minutes.
All entries, costumes, and activities must be family-friendly. We may ask you to turn down excessively loud sound systems.
Prizes
Entries will be judged on creative interpretation of the theme, quality, and enthusiasm.
Impress the judges on Theatre Street to win:
- 1st Prize: £300
- 2nd Prize: £200
- 3rd Prize: £150
- Lord Mayor’s Special Award: £150 - given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to this year’s procession, whether in planning, supporting an entry, designing a costume, choreographing a show, or shining on the day
- People’s Choice Award: £150 - new for 2026, voted for by spectators during the procession
