Levi Roots appointed to St Pauls Carnival CIC board

Levi Roots appointed to St Pauls Carnival CIC board

Posted on: 29 Jun 2021

The celebrated businessman, food writer and musician will begin his new role in September.

 

The St Pauls Carnival CIC have unveiled a major new addition to their board, with Levi Roots set to take over as Chair later this year.

 

The internationally-renowned entrepreneur has been appointed for a three-year term beginning in September, which will see him take over from current Interim Chair and long-term board member Carole Johnson.

 

Although he found fame in 2007 with an appearance on the BBC's Dragon's Den, Levi Roots had been selling his Reggae Reggae sauce at food fairs and Carnivals for more than sixteen years before that.

 

Roots is expected to make a valuable contribution to the St Pauls Carnival CIC, bringing with him extensive experience and knowledge of music, food and business as the team look to organise the return of the physical Carnival in 2022.

 

 

Speaking this week on his appointment, Levi Roots said: “I can’t wait to get started. I have a long-time love for Bristol having sold my sauce here in the early days.

 

“Carnival culture has always been central to my experience and business – it’s the perfect blend of music and food – two things I am very passionate about.”

 

Roots went on to explain that he was a regular visitor to Bristol - and St Pauls in particular - in the 1970s, involved with the Sir Coxsone Outernational soundsystem and selling his now-iconic Reggae Reggae sauce in local shops.

 

St Pauls Carnival Executive Director, LaToyah McAllister-Jones, added:

 

“We’re really excited to be welcoming Levi to the St Pauls Carnival family. He brings with him such rich experience, his guidance and counsel as chair of the board will be invaluable.

 

“It’s been a tough few years for everyone living through the pandemic and after two years of not being able to put on Carnival we can’t wait to come back with a booming bass in 2022. I have no doubt Levi will play a key role in what will be a huge celebration for everyone in Bristol.”

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

Taking place on Saturday 3 July, Global Carnival: A Cultural Evolution will feature a live-streamed panel discussion on the evolution of Carnival as well as exclusive performances from representatives of the four participating events.

 

For more information on St Pauls Carnival, or to follow news and updates in the coming weeks, head to the event's official website or find the team on Twitter.

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

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.