Scaled back events for St Pauls Carnival
Posted on: 23 Jun 2025The proper St Pauls Carnival will not be going ahead again this year and instead a number of side events are being hosted including an elders lunch at Trinity last weekend and events at The Criterion, Lakota, Circomedia and Lost Horizon amongst others on Saturday 5th July 2025.
Following the announcement of this year’s powerful theme, Roots of Resistance, St Pauls Carnival has revealed its full 2025 programme, and it’s set to be another dynamic and culturally rich experience for all.
With a line-up that spans generations, genres, and communities, this year’s Carnival honours the 60th anniversary of the Race Relations Act 1965 and the legacy of the Windrush generation, while spotlighting the role of music and culture in protest, identity, and joy.
On carnival day, 5 July, attendees are invited to join the Community Celebration Day event at Circomedia, offering an exciting blend of arts, music, delicious food, and community spirit that captures the essence of what makes the St Pauls Carnival so special. Taking place from 1pm – 6:15pm, this interactive family day is designed for kids and parents to enjoy together, creating lasting memories for the whole family.
Expect performances from local African-Caribbean talent including Da Fuchaman, 1Relation Sound, Vierz Collective, Tan Teddy, Elijah A.M. + Family Takeover, Ayahuasca and more.
In addition to the Community Celebration on carnival day, there will be a series of party events across Lost Horizon, Circomedia and Lakota. Leading the charge is General Levy, the legendary Jungle MC whose high-energy performances have made him a household name across the UK. He’ll headline the Lakota Night Takeover on 5 July, alongside DJ Krust, AÆE, and Anything But Becky, in a night that celebrates the deep roots of sound system culture and its evolution into UK bass and rave.
Further acts confirmed include:
Booty Bass – Bringing radical joy and Afro-diasporic bass to Circomedia for a Carnival Day party that’s part fundraiser, part cultural statement.
Dubkasm, Jah Lokko, and QSS Young Lion – Anchoring the daytime Roots & Rhythms Yard at Lakota with heavyweight dub and reggae.
Ben Badoo, Kesh, and Rubba – Headlining the Roots Yard Day Party at Lost Horizon on 29 June, powered by Firmly Rooted Soundsystem.
The Criterion on Ashley Road - expect all the reggae beats inside the pub and out the back garden with free entry!
You'll also find the tunes and rum flowing across a number of houses in the area - check out Grosvenor Road, City Road and Campbell Street amongst others - just follow the music!
Following the announcement of this year’s full programme producer Jamell Ackford said: “We’re incredibly proud to reveal this year’s Back A Yard programme, a true celebration of the strength, creativity and culture embedded within our community. Guided by the theme Roots of Resistance, the line-up honours our heritage while creating vital platforms for local artists and voices to shine.
From music and storytelling to food, family activities and more, each part of the programme reflects the richness of African Caribbean culture. This is about holding space for connection, joy and shared experience, and we’re excited to celebrate with everyone.”
The Back A Yard programme reinforces St Pauls Carnival’s commitment to year-round engagement, cultural education, and community-led creativity. Contributions and funds raised as part of the Back A Yard event series and throughout 2025 will ensure St Pauls Carnival can deliver a full carnival event in 2026.
Tickets for the Back A Yard event series can be purchased here, to donate to the St Pauls Carnival, follow this link.
Editors note
It's very concerning that once again another staple of the Bristol calendar is not going ahead. After a 4 year hiatus due to Covid, Carnival returned in 2023 with it rumoured of becoming a bi-annual event and once again it has been effectively cancelled. It seems Bristol City Council are not interested in preserving these Bristol traditions - the St Patrick's Day parade also did not take place this year with huge increases in costs. Perhaps the council should have a look at the hundred of thousands of pounds - if not millions - that they are wasting on consultants and contracts and do something that the people of Bristol want instead.
St Pauls Carnival Executive Director : LaToyah McAllister-Jones, commented:
“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.”
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