Lisburn & Castlereagh’s Mayor’s Carnival Parade and Family Fun Day celebrates ‘A City That Sees Everyone!’

May 9, 2026

Lisburn City became a festive wonder on Saturday 9 May, as thousands flocked to witness the annual Mayor’s Carnival Parade and Family Fun Day. This year’s carnival theme, ‘A City That Sees Everyone’, reflected the Mayor’s focus on inclusivity for people with disabilities and was celebrated throughout the day’s events.

Led by The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh, Alderman Amanda Grehan, residents burst into life with an extraordinary carnival parade that wound its way through the heart of the city. A hugely collaborative event, the parade brought together artistry, music and colour in a spectacular celebration of community spirit. Professional carnival companies, local performers and community participants combined to create a vibrant procession featuring impressive large-scale floats, interactive performers and lively entertainment for all ages.

The carnival proudly featured a dedicated Disability Pride section, celebrating the talents, contributions and visibility of people with disabilities across the Lisburn and Castlereagh community. This was warmly welcomed by spectators and reflected the Mayor’s commitment to ensuring everyone feels represented, valued and included.

Hundreds of enthusiastic schoolchildren and community groups also took part in the parade, embracing the carnival’s message of inclusion through imaginative costumes and performances developed through ISLAND Arts Centre’s carnival workshops. Their exciting presence was amplified by energetic dancers in brilliant costumes, booming sound systems and the infectious rhythms of the carnival beat.

‘’This year’s carnival was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our Lisburn and Castlereagh community and highlight the importance of inclusivity for everyone, particularly people living with disabilities,” said Mayor Amanda. “Throughout my year as Mayor, my theme has been ‘A City That Sees Everyone’, and today it was incredible to see so many disability groups represented so proudly within the parade and celebrations. Seeing people come together in such a positive, uplifting and inclusive way made this year’s carnival especially meaningful.

I have looked forward to this day all year and am delighted that it has been such an astounding success, a fantastic day of fun for everyone involved. I was especially proud to see the Disability Pride section so warmly welcomed by the crowds. It was also wonderful to see our community continue to support my chosen charity, Action Cancer, throughout my term as Mayor.”

Following the Carnival Parade, the celebrations continued in the lush surroundings of Wallace Park, which was transformed into a bustling Carnival Village. Families enjoyed a variety of refreshments and entertainment, including a dedicated Kids’ Zone, walkabout characters and friendly animals. Meanwhile, the main stage hosted live performances including a Wicked tribute and nostalgic hits from Jersey Boys and The Femmes. Visitors also had the opportunity to connect with the natural world through the Sustainability Village which offered fun eco-tips and activities.

“Wallace Park has once again been the base of our fantastic Family Fun Day,” said Councillor Tim Mitchell, Chair of the council’s Communities & Wellbeing Committee. “It was great to see the spirit of inclusion and community celebrated throughout the day, while also showcasing the best of our local creative talent and community pride.”

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council extends its gratitude to all the participants, volunteers and attendees who made the Mayor’s Carnival Parade and Family Fun Day such a resounding success.