Following the announcement for a ‘scaled-back’ event for this year’s St. Pauls Carnival , St. Paul’s Carnival has released their full list of events, with the launch of the ‘Back A Yard’ programme. The phrase ‘Back A Yard’ is a traditional Jamaican phrase which usually means “back home” or “where I’m from”, as the programme aims to bring the carnival back to its roots by celebrating the St Pauls community’s history and legacy.
Since this year marks the 60th anniversary of Jamaican independence, the Back A Yard programme hopes to honour its origin through key elements of music, arts, community, and most importantly, carnival, to St Pauls. Chairman Levi Roots said: “We are excited to return this year with an in-person programme offering the opportunity for us to be with the community once again in the heart of St Pauls.
“This year marks my very first St Pauls Carnival as chairman! My longstanding history with the carnival dates back to the early 1970s, St Pauls, was a frequent trip for me, as part of the Sir Coxsone Outernational sound system. “It’s amazing to see how far the organisation and the global carnival movement in Bristol has grown with its pledge to showcase the city's African Caribbean culture.”
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Executive director of St Pauls Carnival, LaToyah McAllister-Jones, added: “We are so excited to return to in-person events within a matter of weeks. Following our break from large-scale events as a result of the pandemic, it was important that we bring the carnival back to its origins and back a yard!
“We want the whole city to feel part of our celebrations this year, paying special attention to the St Pauls community who have kept the carnival spirit alive for 54 years! We look forward to the success and enjoyment the programme will bring as we prepare for a full-scale carnival event in 2023.”
Below is a full list of the programme from June 22 to carnival day on July 2.
22nd June – Back A Yard: Carnival Library – 5:30pm – 9:00pm
In remembrance of Windrush Day on June 22, where African and Caribbean immigrants migrated to the shores of Britain, seeks to honour the British Caribbean community.
To celebrate, the Back A Yard programme will kickstart with a Carnival Library event to take place at the Kuumba Centre. This event will offer attendees the opportunity to hear historically crucial stories from the Windrush generation.
25th June – Back A Yard: Community Picnic - 12pm -7pm
To celebrate Jamaica’s 60th year of independence, St Pauls Carnival will be hosting a family picnic event on Portland Square, to welcome local families to gather and enjoy the best of carnival food.
In addition, there will be performances from local schools, Bristol’s Got Talent as well showcasing local musicians such as Tan Teddy, Rider Shafique, and Da Fuchaman. The Rainbow Steel Band.
Families will also expect Vocalise’s Afrikan Storytelling Village that features Afrikan drumming, Jamaican folk singing, arts & crafts, storytelling, and shadow puppetry.
Celebrity chef and St. Pauls Carnival’s chairman Levi Roots will also be in attendance to support the day.
2nd July - Back A Yard: Community Celebration – 1pm - 6pm
As tradition, carnival day will begin with a brunch event for the St Pauls elders at the Malcolm X Community Centre that aims to honour their long standing contributions to their community.
During the event, elders and other members of the St Paul's community will be able to access an exclusive film screening of the Well Being and Digital inclusion project in collaboration with St Monica’s trust.
Following this, the community event will be open to the public at 1pm, where attendees can enjoy carnival daywith schools’ performances featuring steel pans, drumming and dancing from Headley Park Primary, St Mary Redcliffe Primary and St. Werburghs Primary School.
In addition, other musical performances such as Bristol based artists of the likes of Jah Garvey (Reggae Bus Driver) and DJ Style will be making special appearances.
From children’s activities that include Play Wooden, Alex D Great’s calypso workshop and performance, mask making and costume making, to a children's parade and food stalls- there’s plenty for all.
This day will also be hosted by Ujima’s top presenters and DJs, where they will be broadcasted on air on Ujima.
2nd July – St Pauls Carnival takeover @ Lost Horizon - 12pm – 7pm/ 7pm – 2am
Additionally, carnival day will feature a takeover event at central Bristol venue, Lost Horizon with an evening event that will be headlined by legendary reggae artist Horace Andy.
This event will be livestreamed and available to view on the St Pauls Carnival social media channels on July 2.
Day tickets are available through Pay What You Can from £1, while the evening Horace Andy event is open for ticket purchases via PWYC from £5.
For more information on the event, please visit the St Pauls Carnival website by clicking here for ticket enquiries.
Supporters of the St Pauls Carnival can also donate to make a contribution for the next year’s full scale celebration by clicking here .
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