Music / st Pauls carnival
St Paul’s Carnival announces lineup for 2019
St Pauls Carnival has announced a stellar lineup of musical and creative talent from Bristol and far beyond for its 51st edition.
The carnival’s four stages will host a plethora of Afro-Caribbean inspired rhythms, world music and contemporary dance tracks. But staying firm to its roots, the carnival will showcase some of the best of reggae, soca, dancehall, grime, hip-hop and drum and bass.
The theme for this year’s carnival is ‘Our Journey’, which will be reflected in the programme and the event’s aim of bringing people together from different communities and backgrounds.
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St Pauls Carnival 2017
LaToyah McAllister-Jones, executive director of St Paul’s Carnival CIC, said: “We’re thrilled to unveil this amazing varied carnival line up, featuring fantastic musicians and performers from Bristol and all over the world.
“Carnival is a celebration of our diverse cultures and the music reflects this, bringing the whole area to life with a mix of happy high energy tunes, heavy beats and happy carnival vibes!
“It is also an opportunity to give a platform to many of the city’s emerging musical talents who we expect to go far in the coming years.”
There will be live performers, artists and DJs entertaining huge crowds across the city from midday to 10pm on Saturday 6th July.
St Pauls Carnival 2017 by @JonCraig_Photos
The Windrush Stage
Sticking to carnival tradition, the Windrush Stage at the St Paul’s Learning centre features a strong lineup of music and spoken word, honouring the Windrush generation and the theme of this year’s event, which is ‘Our Journey’.
Expect to see a series of eclectic performances that pay homage to the carnival’s cultural and musical heritage, kicking off at midday with the carnival blessing.
Throughout the day, there will be performances from the Bristol Reggae Orchestra, Talisman, BackBeat Sound System, DJ Yam and Banana Takeover and the poet Zed Regal. As midday turns to afternoon, wordsmith and activist Edson and spoken word maverick Lawrence will entrance and inform audiences with evocative, forthcoming performances.
At 4.20pm, the music resumes with Nia Melody & Friends singing the classics from the golden age of reggae. Think ‘I Can See Clearly Now’, ‘Girly Girly’ and ‘Uptown Ranking’.
Rounding out the evening are the Bristolian heavyweights of the underground music scene; and Split Prophets will warm up the crowds for the incredible headline show from roots reggae legends Hot Steppas, who will be on stage at 9.10pm.
St Pauls Carnival 2017 by @JonCraig_Photos
The World Dance Stage
For those more interested in a good old boogie, the World Dance Stage kicks off at midday with a presentation of world music, pop, reggae and hip-hop from Tribe of Doris and a BCFM Takeover.
Lighting up the dancefloor with their brand of dancefloor soca and afrobeat at 2.20pm will be Culture Fusion, shortly followed by some of Bristol’s best homegrown hip-hop and grime MCs Griz-O Official, Jasi, Lijitt and Stay Hungry.
Dance soon turns to drum and bass from the likes of Ambush Family and Blacksmith, building up to an epic surprise headline DJ set from two Bristol legends who are yet to be named.
St Pauls Carnival 2017
The Unity Stage
Run by youth arts group, Aspiration Creation Elevation (ACE) and funded by Bristol Music Trust, the Unity Stage will host young musical talent throughout the day.
Expect big noise from a wealth of fresh new talent, serving up everything from urban beats, reggae, afrobeat and grime.
Mandela’s Hideaway
St Agnes Park hosts Mandela’s Hideaway; the children’s stage designed to keep the kids entertained all day long.
There will be a range of entertaining acts on all through Saturday, including special shows from the finalists of Bristol’s Got Talent.
St Pauls Carnival returns for its 51st year on the 6th July.
Read More: Seven Saints of St Paul’s murals celebrate Carnival founders
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