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Event Planning: Carnivals and Processions

If your event includes a Carnival or processional element which will use the public highway, please ensure that you provide us with as much notice of this as possible so that any Temporary Road Closures can be put in place.

A minimum requirement of 12 weeks’ notice may apply. 

For processions on foot consider

  • Safe assembly and dispersal areas off the public highway
  • The length & duration of the procession route, especially with very young or elderly participants.
  • Pinch points, where roads / access narrows
  • Check the route for bollards, trip hazards and height restrictions/ low cables.
  • Adequate stewarding of the procession.
  • First aiders on foot following on
  • Provision for water distribution on hot days
  • . It is advised that the consumption of alcohol whilst in the procession should be prohibited. Alcohol cannot be sold without a licence. If given away, it must not be given to persons under the age of 18.

For processions with vehicles consider

  • Vehicles must be roadworthy, have a current MOT certificate and be taxed.
  • Vehicles must be insured for use in a procession (if in doubt check with vehicle insurers)
  • Any added structures are secure and safe
  • Floats are accompanied by a marshal on each side of the vehicle to ensure children do not run out under the wheels, commonly to collect money that is traditionally thrown.
  • If coins are traditionally thrown onto the floats protective netting should be used to prevent those on the float being struck.
  • Participants travelling on or in the vehicles can do so safely through the provision of fixed seating, safety belts, or grab bars
  • Planned route allows for the safe passage of large vehicles in the procession
  • Carnival committees may want to restrict access to alcohol on floats. It is advised that the consumption of alcohol whilst in the procession should be prohibited. Alcohol cannot be sold without a licence. If given away, it must not be given to persons under the age of 18.

For procession with pedestrians and vehicles consider

  • Overall speed of procession must be at sensible walking pace
  • Ensure a minimum of 5 metres safety distance between vehicles and pedestrian groups