St Pauls Carnival reveal plans for second virtual celebration in July
Posted on: 16 Jun 2021Organisers are bringing together four iconic carnival programmes for this year's virtual event.
St Pauls Carnival have released details of their second consecutive virtual celebration coming up next month, inviting organisers and performers from a further three world-renowned carnival events to take part.
Usually taking place across St Pauls on the first Saturday of July every year, the physical carnival was postponed for a second year running back in March due to safety concerns regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Instead, Bristolians and fans around the world can tune in to Global Carnival: A Cultural Evolution on 3 July, featuring a live-streamed panel discussion on the evolution of Carnival as well as exclusive performances from representatives of the four participating events.
In the absence of its globally-renowned celebration on the streets of Bristol, St Pauls Carnival will be joining forces this summer with Notting Hill Carnival and Carnivals from the Caribbean islands of St Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago for an in-depth look at the history and significance of each event.
A panel of speakers will explore Carnival's place in Caribbean culture, the extensive preparation and planning that goes into each event, what makes each of the four Carnivals unique, how Carnival has developed over the years, and how organisers can engage with the younger generation.
Following the discussion, Global Carnival will showcase a series of live performances from a range of artists and creatives, including Trinidadian singer-songwriter Nailah Blackman and multi-instrumentalist Da Fuchaman.
Speaking on the announcement of this year's virtual event, St Pauls Carnival CIC Executive Director, LaToyah McAllister-Jones, said:
“We’re really excited to play host to what will be an illuminating discussion.
“Whilst there is a golden thread that runs through the traditional carnival; the mas camps, the parade and the engagement of schools and the community, we celebrate how each carnival significantly differs and reflects the community that plays host to it.
“This year, although Carnivals all over the world are unable to come together on the streets, we will keep the spirit of Carnival alive with our friends from London, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago Carnivals.
“We will be maintaining our carnival tradition and strengthening our bonds, in these new days on Zoom and live streaming.”
Global Carnival: A Cultural Evolution will be streaming live via the St Pauls Carnival website from 17:00 on Saturday 3 July.
For more information, or to follow news and updates in the coming weeks, follow the St Pauls Carnival team on Twitter.
Main Image: Joe Rosser
Read more:
Article by:
Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.
