Since 1968, St Pauls Carnival has taken to Bristol bringing a celebration of Caribbean history and heritage - lighting up the streets of St Pauls bringing together people from all over the city.
However, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the event has been put on hold for the past two years. But this year - celebrations are set to recommence with a series of community events throughout 2022. Whilst a full public event of the size and complexity of St Pauls Carnival isn’t viable this year, event attendees can expect to experience the cultural arts that make the carnival such an iconic event.
Taking steps towards a return to a full Carnival event in 2023, the 2022 summer activities and community events will offer the local and wider Bristol community the opportunity to come together once again in the heart of St Pauls to celebrate culture and diversity.
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The St Pauls Carnival team prioritise community and are working on engagement plans with local businesses and organisations keen to support the return of the full event in 2023. They promise to bring an agenda of events for all that will "fill your diaries with fun for the year".
Executive director of St Pauls Carnival LaToyah McAllister-Jones said: “We are excited to return this year with a programme that allows us to celebrate together once again. I am thrilled to announce that this year's programme includes elements of our regular programme such as the school’s performance and Elders’ Brunch.
“We are also looking to organise a St Pauls Carnival takeover event at Lost Horizon, a family picnic in St Pauls and a community-focused event held at the Malcolm X Community Centre. This year is also the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence and some of our events will run in recognition of this milestone.
“While we hoped to be able to bring the full, vibrant celebrations of St Pauls Carnival back to the streets this year; the ongoing uncertainty around the pandemic has impacted our planned arrangements and scheduled fundraising events.
“We are also mindful that there is still much sensitivity in the community around COVID-19. However, Carnival season ’22 will not go uncelebrated. We are putting together a two-week series of events which will be open to everyone who wants to celebrate with us.”
The St Pauls Carnival is a community event supported by the Arts Council and Bristol City Council, and it costs over £650,000 to stage the event. Famed for its delectable combination of carnival music genres including Reggae, Soca, and Calypso, sound systems alongside live performances, arts and crafts, and of course a wide range of Caribbean cuisines and world foods. Supporters of the St Pauls Carnival are encouraged to donate and contribute to the future of Bristol’s annual celebration of culture and heritage.
Updates can be found on the St Pauls Carnival website or Instagram.
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