Preston Caribbean Carnival Ltd is a registered charity and a long standing annual event in Preston since 1974. The committee led organisation arrange a procession from Moor Park followed by a family fun day on the park.
The event day consists of a procession of large vehicles, dancers, steel pan, samba and other performers through urban streets leading back to a park event where a main stage showcases dance troupes, large piece costumes, singers and groups. Stallholders offer Caribbean and English hot foods, a bar, childrens activity marquee, childrens inflatables and other activities. Children’s activities planned include face-painting, making workshops, inflatables, rides, reptile and insect experience and birds of prey. Music is mainly Soca, Reggae and Calypso style from a variety of performers from around the UK. Anticipated audience in the region of 20-30,000 visitors in the park and along the route and many more viewing online through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Local dance troupes practice all year round, attending costume making workshops and then come together for the event to showcase their costumes and dance skills. Workshops are open to the public on the run up to the event offering sewing skills, feather headpiece, backpack production and accessory decorating sessions.
Carnival Artists are commissioned each year to create large piece King and Queen costumes revealed the week before the event on the Flag Market, Preston City Centre.
In 2022, celebrations will start on Saturday 28 May with a ticketed Reggae Festival featuring international Grammy nominated reggae superstar Luciano along with other well-known reggae support acts. Carnival Day continues on Sunday 29 May at 12 noon.
Businesses are encouraged to sponsor activities at the event either as the main stage sponsor or sponsor a truck, a soundsystem, childrens area, marquee or entrance displays. Brochure advertising and barrier advertising will also be available on the run up to the event weekend.
