News / st Pauls carnival

St Paul’s Carnival makes triumphant return after four years away

By Martin Booth  Saturday Jul 1, 2023

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.

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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

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