Organisers have unveiled ‘scaled down’ plans for St Pauls Carnival in July. The iconic Bristol event made a hotly-anticipated return following the Covid-19 pandemic in 2023, after which the team behind it confirmed it would continue every two years, with a ‘large-scale’ event taking place every other year.
This year’s event was set to be one of those full-scale Carnival celebrations, which would usually draw in around 120,000 people to the streets of St Pauls, and contribute some £9.2 million to Bristol and the wider region’s economy. But organisers have decided to scale down this year’s event programme, due to the ‘ongoing challenging environment the events sector has experienced since Covid‘.
Executive director LaToyah McAllister-Jones said “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, there is an obligation to ensure that we are being responsible and financially prudent.
“We are really excited with our plans for 2025, which will bring carnival arts and culture to the city and continue to celebrate the roots of Caribbean heritage.”
This year’s events programme will include the traditional Elders’ Brunch, held on carnival morning, which traditionally falls on the first Saturday in July. This event celebrates the community elders, including original founders of St Pauls Carnival like Dr Barbara Dettering OBE.
There will be a school’s programme, with costume-making, drumming and dance alongside a range of events that celebrate music, food and performance, all of which are key elements of the Carnival. Dr. Michele Curtis, the new Chair of St Pauls Carnival added: “We are focused on ensuring we can continue to protect the legacy of Caribbean culture and the St Pauls Carnival.
“For me, it means being careful with our finances and developing our ability to generate income throughout the year; sustainability is our focus. What is equally important is that our communities both close to home and within the wider city, understand the huge social and economic impact of Carnival.
“If we want to protect its legacy, everyone has a role to play, whether volunteering, donating, or sponsorship.” Organisers are continuing to work on this year’s programme, but promise ‘something for everyone’ and an event that will ‘bring that Carnival-flavoured celebration back to Bristol’.