The Manchester Caribbean Carnival is back in south Manchester for another year of festivities, music, and entertainment celebrating the Caribbean and African diaspora. The carnival will take place on Saturday and Sunday (August 10 and 11) with the parade kicking off and ending at Alexandra Park in Moss Side. The park will host the Carnival in the Park celebrations with live music, family-friendly entertainment, and food stalls. This year marks the 52nd year of the parade, featuring colorful outfits, dancers, and performers parading through the streets.
The festival site will showcase performances from 1XTRA’s Seani B, dance troupes, traditional mas bands, steel pans, and various street food vendors. Julia Burke, Chair and Project Manager for the Manchester Carnival Together Committee (CIC), expressed excitement for the event, inviting everyone to join in celebrating the vibrant cultures that have influenced the city. With the festival spanning two days and starting early on Saturday, there will be several road closures in place to accommodate the festivities.
For the J’Ouvert morning procession on Saturday, August 10, rolling road closures will be in effect from 7am to 9am along Moss Lane East, Upper Lloyd Street, Great Western Street, Quinney Crescent, and Alexandra Road. The parade itself will start at 12pm and is expected to finish by 2pm. Full road closures on Claremont Road will be in place from 7am to 4pm, with rolling road closures on Yarburgh Street, Withington Road, Moss Lane West, Moss Lane East, Upper Lloyd Street, and Claremont Road from 11.30am to 1.35pm.
As attendees leave the park on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6pm to 8pm, road closures will be enforced on Claremont Road from Princess Road to Quinney Crescent. Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment, and Leisure at Manchester Council, highlighted the significance of the Caribbean Carnival in celebrating the city’s diverse communities and Afro-Caribbean culture. The event promises a day of free family fun, carnival vibes, music, live performances, delicious food, and more for all to enjoy.
The Manchester Caribbean Carnival is a vibrant event that brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate diversity, culture, and community spirit. With a rich history spanning over five decades, the carnival continues to be a highlight in Manchester’s event calendar, showcasing the best of Caribbean and African traditions through music, dance, and colorful displays.
In addition to the road closures and event schedule, attendees can look forward to a range of activities and entertainment options throughout the weekend. From live music performances to dance showcases, food vendors, and cultural exhibitions, there will be something for everyone to enjoy at the Manchester Caribbean Carnival. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the event or attending for the first time, the carnival promises a memorable experience that celebrates unity, heritage, and the spirit of togetherness.