A free event that will celebrate the history of Manchester’s Caribbean Carnival is coming to Central Library this week (27 August).
Following the 50th anniversary of the famous Caribbean Carnival that took place earlier this month. Manchester City Council, in collaboration with members of the Caribbean community, will be hosting a special event to remember the vibrant history of Manchester’s Caribbean Carnival.
The ‘Carnival Heritage’ event will celebrate five decades of Manchester’s Caribbean Carnival and will be the home to great entertainment, with steel pan, singing and performances in heritage costumes.
In addition, there will be special film screenings of archived footage of past Caribbean Carnivals and members of the Caribbean community who participated in the early carnivals will share their stories with attendees.
The event will amplify the voices of the Caribbean community in Manchester and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of the Carnival in Manchester.
Manchester’s Caribbean Carnival is the largest celebration of Caribbean culture in the region with the first Carnival taking place on the streets of Moss Side in the early 1970s.
The aim of the heritage event is to preserve the heritage of Carnival and, to provide an opportunity for younger generations to hear about the earlier carnivals from those who participated or attended past events.
This event will be the first of many that have been organised by members of the Caribbean community in partnership with the Council to remember those who started the great tradition and, to educate residents on the vibrant history of the well- loved carnival.
The Caribbean Carnival Heritage event will be free and open to all. It will run from 6pm-8:30pm on 27 August in Central Library.
To attend the event, you must register your interest through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/carnival-heritage-tickets-387422088897
Councillor John Hacking, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, said:
“The Caribbean Carnival has been a staple event in Manchester for the past five decades. This heritage event is the start of a series of sessions that will amplify the history, culture and voices of the Caribbean Community. With footage and speeches of the people who were part of the early carnivals, - we will keep the memory of the first Caribbean Carnival alive.
“I’d encourage all residents from across the city to support the community and attend the event for an evening of steel pan and other carnival performances, as well as screenings of old footage- it's going to be great!”
Sonia Stewart, Organiser of the Carnival Heritage event, said:
“ I’m excited to welcome everyone- to our Carnival Heritage event that we have spent the past month organising. The event this Saturday is an excellent opportunity for us to share the heritage, stories, history and vibrant culture behind the Manchester Caribbean Carnival and look forward to others being involved in future activities.”