What’s going on, Bristol? First the St Patrick’s Day Parade, and now St Pauls Carnival. As is usually the case, the answer is money. After several years off, the celebration of African and Caribbean culture returned in 2023, attracting over 100,000 people to these Bristol streets, with colouful floats, bass-heavy soundsystems and incredible food.
But its return also came with the news it’d be switching to a biennial model due to a lack of proper funding. About 50% of funding comes via grants from organisations, like the Arts Council and Bristol City Council, with organisers having to raise more than £250,000 themselves. This meant we didn’t get a St Pauls Carnival last year, with the promise of its return in 2025.
Unfortunately, that’s not going to be quite the case. St Pauls Carnival will take place this July, but with a scaled-down programme – citing “ongoing challenges in the events sector.” By making responsible financial decisions now, however, organisers say that St Pauls Carnival is here for the future – and you can still expect plenty of Carnival energy in Bristol this summer.
Executive Director, LaToyah McAllister-Jones, says: “Like many other cultural organisations right now, particularly events, St Pauls Carnival has had to make some difficult decisions, driven by financial pressures and the need to ensure the organisation is sustainable for the long-term. As a recipient of public funding, we have a responsibility to be financially prudent.”
What events will be on the St Pauls Carnival programme?
- The Elders’ Brunch – Held on Carnival morning, the brunch is an opportunity for us to honour our community’s elders.
- The Schools Programme – Engaging young people through costume-making, drumming, and dance workshops, ensuring the next generation is immersed in the cultural traditions of Carnival.
- Celebrations of Music, Food, and Performance – A series of events that highlight the sounds, flavours, and creativity of African Caribbean culture. More details on this soon!
To support or learn more about St Pauls Carnival head here.