Home / Arts and Entertainment / St Pauls Carnival: Community Shapes Future
St Pauls Carnival: Community Shapes Future
23 Sep
Summary
- Annual St Pauls Carnival in Bristol hasn't fully happened since July 2023.
- A survey seeks community input to guide carnival improvements until October 3.
- Plans are underway for carnival activity in 2027 and a milestone celebration in 2028.
The St Pauls Carnival in Bristol, a vibrant annual event that typically draws around 150,000 attendees, has not been held in its complete form since July 2023. Organizers are now focused on building a "strong baseline" to ensure the carnival's longevity for future generations.
To achieve this, a community survey is currently underway, inviting attendees to share suggestions for improvement until October 3. Ricardo Sharry, chief executive of the carnival's community interest company (CIC), emphasized the need for cross-generational input to drive the organization forward. This feedback will influence decisions on funding for youth engagement, street parties, and licensing.
While the July 2026 procession and street event were scaled back, a smaller program of community events and workshops took place, with planning for a full return in 2027 and for the 60th anniversary in 2028 progressing. The CIC is also developing initiatives like the Carnival 365 program and the Carnival Futures Academy to foster year-round cultural celebration and provide behind-the-scenes operational experience for all ages.
