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Unique collaboration keeps spirit of carnival alive for 2021
St Paul’s Carnival may be unable to return to the streets for 2021, but organisers are keeping the spirit alive with a unique collaboration.
The team behind the much-loved celebration have joined forces with London’s Notting Hill, and the Caribbean islands of St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago Carnivals for a virtual panel discussion followed by live performances as part of an exclusive broadcast.
Global Carnival: a cultural evolution will be streamed from 5pm on July 3, the first Saturday of the month, when St Paul’s Carnival would traditionally be held.
is needed now More than ever
Discussions will focus on the evolution of Carnival and how, born out of oppression, it became a source of resistance and rebellion that is still alive and well today.
“We’re really excited to play host to what will be an illuminating discussion,” says LaToyah McAllister-Jones, the executive director of St Paul’s Carnival.
“Whilst there is a golden thread that runs through the traditional carnival; the mas camps, the parade and the engagement of schools and the community, we celebrate how each carnival significantly differs and reflects the community that plays host to it.
“This year, although Carnivals all over the world are unable to come together on the streets, we will keep the spirit of Carnival alive with our friends from London, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago carnivals. We will be maintaining our carnival tradition and strengthening our bonds, in these new days on Zoom and live streaming.”
Some of the topics the panel will explore include:
· What does Carnival mean to you?
· How do you prepare for Carnival (both personally and professionally)?
· What stands out most when you go to other Carnivals?
· How do you feel Carnival has changed over the years?
· Why is it important to create space for the younger generation?
Live performances will be broadcast after the panel discussion featuring Nailah Blackman and Da Fuchaman, among others.
St Paul’s Carnival last took place on the streets in 2019
Bristol’s African Caribbean celebration, which was first staged in 1968, takes a year to organise. This will be the second year that the free event, which attracts some 100,000 people, has had to be cancelled due to Covid restrictions.
Last year, organisers held an online carnival celebration – a first for any UK carnival. For 2021, they are once again leading the way with this four-way online collaboration of carnival teams.
Main photo by David Tidman
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