Care and Support Carnival in Braintree celebrates community and creativity

More than 120 customers from across our care and support services came together for a fun-filled day of music, creativity and celebration at a carnival at Cressing Temple Barns in Braintree earlier this month. They were joined by colleagues from across Peabody, including Care and Support teams and volunteers from different departments.

Published: 27/07/2026

The carnival featured a packed programme of live entertainment, including performances from a Take That tribute act, a steel pan band called the Steel Panthers, a performance inspired by The Greatest Showman, samba dancers and singers. British Sign Language interpreters were on hand to help ensure everyone could enjoy the performances.

Everyone embraced the carnival theme, arriving in an array of colourful costumes, from animals and fruit to mimes and many other imaginative creations. A face painter also joined the event to help complete people’s carnival looks.

Sustainability was a key theme in the run-up to the event. Customers and teams made musical instruments, upcycled donated ones and created colourful decorations from recycled materials before bringing everything together for the celebration. The day began with a lively carnival procession, with everyone playing their handmade instruments behind a brightly decorated buggy.

There was plenty to explore, from themed marquees and games to glitter art, a balloon artist, a stilt walker, mirror ball performers and an acrobat. Food was provided by Pizza Post and Holy Spud, and there was free tea, coffee and ice cream.

One customer described it as "the best day ever" and another said they “can’t wait till next year”.

The event also celebrated seven colleagues who completed the Colchester Half Marathon earlier this year, raising more than £2,800 towards the carnival.

Among those supporting the event was construction company KBH Haus, who also brought a glitter artist and lots of cupcakes on the day. Other partners who helped bring the event to life including Cressing Temple Barns, A3 Relocation Solutions and PCM UK.

Sue Allison, Head of Service for People with Learning Disabilities at Peabody, said: “We’ve had such an amazing day, and it's been wonderful to see so many customers, teams, colleagues and supporters. The aim is to create an event filled with fun, laughter, inclusivity and giving all of us a day to remember.

"So much hard work and preparation go into events like this, and everyone gets involved. I’m always completely humbled by everyone’s efforts and would like to thank everyone who helped make it happen.”

Another colleague described it as “one of the most memorable days at work in my 20-year career.”