Monday 6 August marks 50 years of Jamaican Independence.
To celebrate the occasion the Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Elaine Boyes will host a civic reception at Manchester Town Hall for prominent representatives of the Jamaican community.
Jamaica obtained full independence on 6 August 1962. At midnight on the 5 August 1962 the Union Jack was lowered and the Jamaican flag flown for the first time. Jamaican Independence Day commemorates the island’s historic struggle to gain autonomy as well as the country’s many achievements.
Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Elaine Boyes said, “It’s a privilege to be able to mark both Jamaica’s independence and recognise the fantastic contribution the Jamaican community has made to Manchester and the country as a whole.”
Saturday 11 August -Sunday 12 August will see the celebrations continue when the Caribbean Carnival will transform Alexandra Park in Whalley Range. The carnival will kick-off with a lively parade at 12pm bringing the colours, sounds and flavours of the Caribbean to the streets of Manchester.