The theme of this year’s carnival is ‘Echoes of Freedom’ and will be a massive celebration of the bicentenary of the abolition of slavery.
Headlining the main stage will be legends of the British reggae scene, the 'Three Divas of Lovers Rock'.
There will also be a wealth of talent playing a range of different styles of soca music, Level Crew, from the Trinidad Carnival, The Unstoppable Tarrus from St Vincent and Scrappy from Montserrat. Also on offer is soul music from Pamela Maynards and R'n'B from Feya.
The Carnival Parade, following a route through Moss Side and Hulme, starts at 12 noon at Alexandra Park and will have over 30 carnival troupes taking part.
To keep up your strength for all the dancing there will be plenty of mouth-watering food on offer including jerk chicken, roti, curry as well as vegetarian options. They will be a chance to try your hand at Caribbean arts and crafts as well as a Heritage Marquee which will feature an exhibition of African artefacts and a demonstration of African slave dances and drumming.
Councillor Mike Kane, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure said, "The Carnival is a fantastic event which celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of Manchester and people's sense of pride. It is a highlight of the year for people all over Manchester and the North West and truly offers something for all the family."
The Carnival in Moss Side was born in 1970. The organising committee was chaired by the late Billy Hanley who was determined to bring the joy of the Calypso Festival to old Bellevue Hall in Kirkmanshulme Lane.
The Caribean Carnival of Manchester is a FREE event.
For more information tel. 0871 222 8223, or to book a stall tel. 07939620289 www.caribbeancarnivalofmanchester.co.uk
The Caribbean Carnival is part of Manchester City Council's calendar of 'Events to listen out for...' in 2007. For details, call 0871 222 8223, visit http://www.manchesterlive.co.uk/ or text 'EVENT' to 60600 for FREE Manchester City Council events/ festivals text alerts and offers - direct to your mobile*.
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