Park Charge Sparks Outcry from Desborough Carnival Organisers

Organisers of the Desborough Carnival have branded a decision to charge for use of a park in the town as “disgraceful”.

For the first time in the event’s more than 100-year history, North Northamptonshire Council has requested £165 for access to Dunkirk Avenue Recreation Ground for the event on June 27th.

The carnival committee say the fee will reduce the amount they can donate to good causes after the event and are demanding the charge is waived.

Vice-chairman Simon King spoke to HFM:

Dunkirk Avenue Recreation Ground in Desborough is used for the town’s carnival

NNC says it recognises the importance of events like carnivals and that the charges form part of its new parks and open spaces policy.

A spokesperson added: “We are aware that events like carnivals are much loved traditions for communities across North Northamptonshire and will always do all we can to ensure they can go ahead as they have done previously.

“In early 2025, before the start of the 2025-26 financial year, as part of the council’s new Parks and Open Spaces Policy, we introduced a new bookings policy for council-owned parks and open spaces. This included fees and charges for the hire of spaces for events like fairs, circuses and large events or events which have a commercial element to them, to cover the costs associated with bookings. All deposits are refundable.”