There are lots of things to look forward to as St Pauls Carnival make its triumphant return to the city on July 7th 2018 – 12 noon – 10pm for its 50th anniversary. Attracting over 40,000 people this iconic event started back in 1968 bringing people from around the world to the streets of St Pauls, as you will expect, it’s going to be the most colourful of celebrations. The Carnival is traditionally a participatory event for local people and this year it’s going back to its roots celebrating African Caribbean culture. It truly represents the immense vibrancy, creativity and diversity that enriches the city.
The event includes a masquerade procession with beautiful, colourful costumes and floats from local and neighbouring schools and cultural associations, a stage for professional performers, sound systems all across the area and a range of stalls selling delicious food from a wide range of cultures as well as authentic Caribbean food including Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, Rice and Peas. It’s an inclusive event for all ages, with plenty of things to do for the younger carnival goers.
The procession is always a highlight and worth watching the colourful sea of costumes and floats which makes its way through the streets. If you are taking children and there will be plenty of good vantage points along the route where you can soak up the sensory delights of the carnival. It starts on Wilson Street and finishes at St Pauls Sports Centre. Children can also enjoy a family activity zone, where they will be able to enjoy a wide range of fun and themed craft activities.
PROCESSION ROUTE
Starts at noon from Wilson Street, before turning right onto Portland Square. It will make its way around the square, in an anti-clockwise direction, so people can marvel at the Carnival floats and costumes in all their glory. The procession will then proceed along Surrey Street, before turning right onto York Street. Then, the procession will turn right onto City Road, making its way to the judging point at the junction of City and Ashley Roads. Judging will take place at around 2pm. Once judges have announced the winners, the procession will continue down Ashley Road, turn right onto Lower Ashley Road, and then turn right onto Tudor Road. Next, it will turn left onto Fern Street, before turning right onto Newfoundland Road, Ending at St Pauls Sports Centre.
MUSIC
There’s going to be a lot of fantastic music to enjoy with a large number of official PA systems on various streets, together with two main stages in parks and open spaces playing host to renowned DJ’s. This event has historically predominantly featured Jamaican sounds with offerings of dub and reggae, this year you can also expect to hear an array of different sounds from other genres too including Soca, Salsa, Dancehall and drum & bass.
WINDRUSH STAGE – COREY CLOSE
This stage will host a combination of community groups, cultural showcases and live music throughout the day. Stand-out live music includes Bristol-based multi-national group Baraka, whose unique sound draws the music of Ghana, Senegal, Dominica, Trinidad and Southern Ireland. Plus, of course, a closing set from Bristol reggae royalty Laid Blak.
WORLD CARNIVAL STAGE – BRUNSWICK SQUARE
This stage opens later at 1.55pm and will host a mix of culture and live music, with a little more of a lean towards the latter. Bigger names on the line up include Bristol/Plymouth-based alternative hip hop trio from the The Scribes, a heavyweight back-to-back from Dismantle b2b Boeke b2b LUCY, and a big finale from Bristol titan Roni Size with MC Jakes.
There so many other areas with music from the following DJ’s and artists – just to name a few :-Sly One, Carasel, K Stylz b2b Fireman Sam and Slowie, Marcus Nasty b2b DJ Polo, Jaydrop with Puma MC, Sherry S and Scar Duggy, Sian Evans, Krust, Joker, RSD, Tectonic boss Pinch, Kahn and Neek (dancehall set), L U C Y, OH91 x Hi5Ghost x Boofy, N.Y.T.A x GotSome, Gardna, Surprise headliner.
TRAVEL
The nearest train station is Temple Meads. There are no trains running between Bristol Temple Meads and Lawrence Hill/Stapleton Road/Filton Abbey Wood/Bristol Parkway/Montpelier/ Redland/Clifton Down/Sea Mills/Shirehampton/Avonmouth/St Andrews Road/Severn Beach due to maintenance work during the weekend of the carnival. Buses will replace train to stations during the carnival.
The organisers reserve the right to search bags and any glass found will not be permitted into the carnival areas and may be confiscated. They advise not to bring rucksacks or glass. The carnival team is working closely with Avon and Somerset Police to ensure a safe and friendly carnival for all.
Website -https://www.stpaulscarnival.net/
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