The Pig Walk is Back - Save The Date: 
Longton Carnival & Pig Walk Parade 2026
Sunday, 26th April 2026 - 10am -4pm
Longton Town Centre

Learn More: https://www.pig-walk.com/

FREE Entry | Live Music | Street Food | Parade | Fun Fair

Longton Carnival and Pig Walk Parade returns on Sunday 26 April 2026 for a full day of free, family friendly fun in Longton town centre.

Expect live music, circus entertainment, singing and dancing, free creative workshops, an artisan market, a fun fair, delicious street food stalls and, of course, the spectacular Pig Walk Parade.

The Pig Walk Parade

Starting at Longton Exchange and making its way down The Strand, this colourful parade celebrates a unique piece of Longton’s history. Look out for vibrant costumes, live music, dance performances and a giant puppet pig leading the procession.

The Story of the “Pig Walk”

John Aynsley, Mayor of Longton from 1886, raised money and secured land for Queen’s Park, Longton, as well as for Longton Cottage Hospital.

One of his fundraising efforts involved driving a pig through the centre of Longton. Today, we celebrate that quirky and much loved tradition through Carnival.

 #pigwalkparade #lovelongton #townofculture #longton28

This year our Pig Walk Parade celebrates the Brilliance of Books!

In the National Literacy Trust's National Year of Reading we have been working with Co-op Academy Clarice Cliff, Creative Volunteers, 8th North Staffordshire Boys Brigade and Teen Squad to celebrate the magic of stories.

We're absolutely thrilled that Shademakers UK are returning with their world-famous carnival costumes and KiLNE are bringing the joy with their nu marching band tunes.

And ahead of the Parade, Longton is open! Family Hubs launching their new soft play at Longton Victorian Market and so much more.

Enormous thanks to funders and sponsors: UKSPF through Stoke-on-Trent City Council Longton Exchange Shopping Centre Stoke Creates National Literacy Trust in Stoke-on-Trent The National Lottery Community Fund and BSN Group