Manchester’s famous Caribbean Carnival is going to be very different this weekend
Instead of parading the streets and filling Alexandra Park, the Carnival will be hosted via screens - broadcasting a mixture of live and pre-recorded displays of culture and heritage.
Manchester’s popular Caribbean Carnival is adopting a whole new format for 2020 – with the festival moved entirely online due to complications surrounding mass gatherings.
Instead of parading the streets and filling Alexandra Park, the Carnival will be hosted via screens this year – broadcasting a mixture of live and pre-recorded displays of culture and heritage.
This will include dance and steel band performances, food demonstrations, community talks, and ‘island sounds’ of Soca, Reggae and Calypso.
The online Carnival will be available to view for free online on August 8 and 9, between midday and 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Mcr Caribbean Carnival live streaming 8th and 9th August. New committee. Unique sounds. SOCA, reggae, calypso and more – noon til 8pm. Join us. pic.twitter.com/hqsdbKazZH
— Caribbean Carnival of Manchester (@McrCarnival) August 4, 2020
News of the Carnival’s initial cancellation was confirmed back in June, with the pandemic putting a temporary end to festivals and events all over the world.
ADVERTISEMENT
Councillor Lutfhur Rahman, Executive Member for Culture, Skills and Leisure, said: “It is wonderful to see so many different ways people can get involved in this year’s carnival, all while staying safe at home.
“It would have been wonderful to see the streets lined with all the flair and carnival celebration the annual event brings. Unfortunately we have known for a while in advance that this would not be possible.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The Councillor also said that it was “vitally important that everyone plays their part” in keeping the community safe, and that this “can only be ensured by not attending any mass gatherings.”
Despite the restrictions in place for 2020, Mr. Rahman explained he was still optimistic for the success of the festival.
“… I am confident that this year’s online carnival will not leave anyone wanting or feeling too disappointed,” he added.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The amount of time and effort organisers have put into it guarantees that it will be a brilliant day for all.”
Visit the Caribbean Carnival website to watch online.
What's On
New family festival full of FREE activities announced in Manchester for early next year
Emily Sergeant
A brand new festival full of free activities for all the family to get involved with is coming to Manchester early next year.
Fresh off-the-back of the success of Manchester’s massively popular annual Christmas Parade – which was held this past weekend and saw tens of thousands of people flock to the city centre’s main shopping streets especially for the occasion – another exciting new event has now been announced for February half term next year.
The four-day festival in the early new year is being hosted by the city’s hoteliers, Manchester Accommodation BID.
A new family festival full of free activities has been announced in Manchester for early next year / Credit: Manchester BID
The new event, which is called The Super Duper Family Festival, will feature a series of pop-up play zones at a variety of outdoor spaces and popular venues across the city centre, all of which will be free to use and ready to explore.
Taking place from Saturday 15 February through to the following Tuesday (18 February), there will be six play zones providing unique experiences for all ages.
According to event organisers, the six play zones will be named The Playground, The Party, The Garden, The Sports Hall, The Carnival, and The Arcade, and they’ll each feature everything from gaming and crafts, to roaming performances, fun children’s activities, and so much more.
There’s interactive fun for all ages to get involved with / Credit: Lizzie Coombes (via Supplied)
There’ll also be the chance to take part in a range of immersive activities for yourself too.
As well as the four days of free Half Term fun already announced, even more events are set to be revealed in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.
City locations for the festival will also be announced in due course too.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Thousands flocked to Manchester city centre for the annual Christmas Parade
Thomas Melia
Lots of people have been getting into the festive spirit by attending the annual Christmas Parade in Manchester city centre.
The family-friendly event – which is now in its third year, and has become a firm favourite with Greater Manchester locals – took place this past weekend, and saw everything from Aurora Borealis-themed stilt walkers, to Mistletoe dancing mice, and everything in between.
More than 400 participants took part in the Parade, and amongst these were a multitude of families, all ready to spread the Christmas cheer.
Like many events, there are always some familiar faces who visit every year, and 2024 was no different – with the Snow Queen returning to fascinate while perched in her winter-themed globe.
The Manchester Christmas Parade is taking place tomorrow! 🎅
Join us for a brilliant event of free, festive family fun in the city centre, starting at 1pm.🥳
There was live music from Elton Wrong performing on his stadium-inspired float, receiving nothing less than rapturous applause and a well-deserved standing ovation, all before some cheeky elves handed out 1,500 free hot chocolate vouchers to anyone who passed them by.
The big man himself came to our wonderfully festive city to mark the occasion with music from his band of mischievous elves.
Anyone who joined in on this weekend of fun will also have spotted the flurry of retro ski gear, as a huddle of segway skiers swooshed through the city’s streets.
This year saw the Manchester city centre Christmas Parade sponsored for the first time ever by Manchester-based company Rosgal Ltd.
Manchester City Council worked with many organisations for this year’s Parade, including Walk the Plank – which played a key role in Rochdale’s ‘Wild Wanders’ event – Global Grooves, Handmade Parade, and Fools Paradise.
The event as a whole helped families create lots of important memories while also adding a fun activity to their Christmas calendars.
The Manc -
7th August 2020 
