Leicester’s annual Caribbean Carnival took place this weekend with an estimated 30,000 people filling the city centre and Victoria Park to enjoy the bright colours and energetic sounds.
The theme of this year’s carnival was ‘Colour My World’ which allowed participants to paint the streets with an array of creativity and colour. Visiting troupes travelled from all over the midlands including Nottingham and Birmingham to join in with the Street Carnival, with the weather providing a sunny background to the festivities.
The vibrant parade twisted and danced through the city, from Victoria Park down to London Road and into the city centre, with the excitement of the multi-coloured display lasting well into the night.
Celebrating her tenth year of organising the festivities, Co-ordinator for the Carnival Juliette Brade said “It’s the celebration of culture, people from the Caribbean and abolition of slavery. We’re expressing our culture, our talent and sharing it with the people of Leicester.”
Leicester’s Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Clive Loader was also in attendance, witnessing how the city’s police force handle the Carnival and its vast numbers of visitors. With each spectator safely enjoying the brightness and enthusiasm of the parade, Sir Clive said “It’s marvellous and what makes Leicester the multicultural city it is.”
Stalls selling traditional Caribbean food and crafts gave the thousands of spectators a true taste of the culture; whilst the main stage provided musical entertainment and live bands playing a variety of music from Urban to Reggae.
As an annual event in the city’s summer calendar and a much anticipated celebration, Councillor for Fosse Ward Ted Cassidy MBE said “It’s an important part of the City of Culture bid.” Showing just how much Leicester revels in its diversity and celebrates its many cultures.
