News / st Pauls carnival
St Paul’s Carnival makes triumphant return after four years away
With music and other surprises around every corner, St Paul’s Carnival made a welcome return on Saturday after a four-year absence.
Official and unofficial sound systems were among the focal points, with big queues for food and even bigger smiles from most of those in attendance.
Amid the party atmosphere, there was a round of applause to remember Roy Hackett, one of the organisers of the Bristol Bus Boycott, who died in 2022.
is needed now More than ever
Hundreds of people young and old took part in the colourful parade, which started in Portland Square before winding its way through the packed streets of St Paul’s.
One float was adorned with Black Lives Matter placards collected in 2020 that were previously on display at the M Shed, alongside new illustrations by Jasmine Thompson.

Carnival is a day for entrepreneurs

Black Lives Matter placards on a float in the parade

The parade started from Portland Square

Hundreds of dancers and musicians took part in the parade

It was a special day as carnival returned after a four-year absence
All photos: Rob Browne; all videos: Martin Booth
Read next:
- ‘Carnival tells a story about our culture, heritage and resistance’
- Harbour Festival announces full programme for 2023
- Remembering the road severed in half by the M32
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