Don't miss Chatteris Midsummer Festival 2026

Arts organisation 20Twenty Productions has been working with partners, including parade specialists Mandinga Arts, and the community, to make the parade bigger and better than ever - and there's still time to get involved.

This year's theme is "around the world in 80 days," and anyone who is keen to dress up and join in, can apply. There's also chances to view and try on professional costumes before the event weekend and submit artwork to feature in the parade.

Above: Photo of Chatteris Midsummer Festival

June 27 and 28

The two-day festival at Furrowfields Recreation Ground is from 10am to 10.30pm, Saturday, June 27, and 10am to 4pm, Sunday, June 28.

The parade assembles at 10.30am at Church Lane car park and sets off at 11am to arrive at the recreation ground for 11.30am when fancy dress contest judging will take place.

Furrowfields Recreation Ground will be full of colourful live performances, stalls and delicious food. The fun will include chances to take part in Generation Game and Family Fortune inspired games in the arena.

Saturday evening there'll be live music at Party in the Park, including music from Top of the Pops Band.

On Sunday, there'll be children's sports, an ever-popular colour fun run, tug of war contests, water fights, live music and family disco with foam party.

Saturday entry is £2 for adults and £1 for children. Sunday entry is £1 for both adults and children. Additional costs apply for some of the events and activities on offer within the festival though there's masses of free fun too.

June 20

On Saturday, June 20, 1pm to 4pm, at King Edward Community Centre, King Edward Road, a free-to-attend, open-to-all, drop-in event is planned showcasing some of the Mandinga Arts costumes available for the parade and likely offering the chance to be in line to wear one, and get specialist input into how to make it fun and fabulous. Check details before attending via the volunteer committee led 'The Official Chatteris Festival 2026' Facebook group.

In addition, anyone can have their artwork featured in a unique hot air balloon costume being developed by an artist. Hot air balloon inspired drawings on lightweight paper can be submitted at Chatteris Town Council's offices, in Church Lane, or King Edward Community Centre, before Thursday, June 25. Further details available from 20Twenty Productions.

Travel and parking

On the festival weekend, travelling to the event on foot, cycle or by public transport is encouraged for those who can.

Motorists are requested to park courteously. Free parking is available in Furrowfields Road car parks. Access to Furrowfields Road car parks is not possible during the parade. Please don't park on Furrowfields Road itself or the neighbouring side streets to keep pedestrians safe and minimise nuisance for residents.

Town centre road closures will be in place Saturday to allow for the parade to pass through. To minimise disruption, roads reopen once the parade has been through.

Furrowfields Recreation Ground will be closed to the public on Friday, June 26, and Monday June 29, for set up and removal of equipment. Over the weekend, it'll be accessible to those who have paid to attend the festival. Alternative recreation facilities are listed at Open Spaces.

Chatteris Festival is a Fenland Four Seasons event led by a dedicated volunteer organising committee, supported by Chatteris Town Council and Fenland District Council.

Extra parade elements and several community workshops leading up to the event have been made possible through the partnership with 20Twenty Productions and funding from a National Lottery Project Grant.

• For further details on the festival programme, see: Chatteris Town Council
• To get involved with the parade, email: clerk@chatteristowncouncil.gov.uk
• For details of road closures see: Cambridgeshire County Council website.

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June 2026