St Pauls Carnival returns this July with a series of events designed to celebrate African Caribbean arts and culture.
After a well-received post-Covid return to the streets in 2023, the organisation announced that it would move to a biennial model, with a large-scale Carnival being delivered every other year.
2025 was set to be a full-scale Carnival celebration which traditionally attracts over 120,000 people to the streets of St Pauls. However, organisers have decided to deliver a scaled-down programme of events this year in response to the ongoing challenging environment the events sector has experienced since Covid.
Image: St Pauls Carnival, credit Martins Kikulis
Executive Director LaToyah McAllister-Jones said “Like many other cultural organisations right now, particularly events, St Pauls Carnival has had to make some difficult decisions, driven by financial pressures and the need to ensure the organisation is sustainable for the long-term.
“As a recipient of public-funding, there is an obligation to ensure that we are being responsible and financially prudent. We are really excited with our plans for 2025, which will bring Carnival arts and culture to the city and continue to celebrate the roots of Caribbean heritage.”
The 2025 events programme will include the traditional Elders’ Brunch, held on carnival morning (traditionally the first Saturday in July) celebrating the community Elders including original founders of St Pauls Carnival like Dr. Barbara Dettering OBE.
The school’s programme will also take place, with costume-making, drumming and dance alongside a range of events celebrating the music, food and performance, all key elements to the Caribbean Carnival.
Dr. Michele Curtis, the new Chair of St Pauls Carnival commented: “We are focused on ensuring we can continue to protect the legacy of Caribbean culture and the St Pauls Carnival.
“For me, it means being careful with our finances and developing our ability to generate income throughout the year; sustainability is our focus. What is equally important is that our communities both close to home and within the wider city, understand the huge social and economic impact of Carnival. If we want to protect its legacy, everyone has a role to play, whether volunteering, donating, or sponsorship.”
Organisers are working on this year’s programme which promises to have ‘something for everyone’ and bring that Carnival-flavoured celebration back to Bristol.
Founded in 1968 as St Pauls Festival, the event began as a way of sharing Caribbean culture with friends, neighbours and celebrating with the city. Since then, Carnival Day has become a cultural asset, a community celebration, and an internationally recognised event. At full scale, it welcomes over 120,000 people, contributing over £9.2 million to Bristol and the wider region’s economy – supporting local businesses in St Pauls and across the city.
If you would like to support St Pauls Carnival you can donate here.
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