I attended Preston's 50th Caribbean Carnival birthday celebrations and was mesmerised

By Emma Downey
Published 26th May 2024, 16:10 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
The city of Preston turned into a three-day colourful street party over the bank holiday weekend as hundreds came to celebrate the Caribbean Carnival’s 50th birthday.

I attended the Sunday celebrations and, upon arrival to Moor Park, was met with a sea of mesmerising colours.

One of the many street performers at the festival. One of the many street performers at the festival.
One of the many street performers at the festival. | Kelvin Lister-Stuttard

People swirled around me as temperamental weather failed to dampen the Prestonian spirit, with hundreds turning out to celebrate the Caribbean Carnival’s much anticipated 50th birthday celebrations.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Organisers promised to deliver a bigger and better carnival than ever before and they did not disappoint!

This year's festival included a procession which saw participants dance, drum, and revel through the city centre, wearing iconic carnival costume pieces from over the last 50 years. Join our new WhatsApp Community to get the latest news and top stories from across Lancashire directly to your phoneSign up for our free newsletters now The party weekend of festivities began with the One Park Living Legends stage show Moor Park on Saturday with live stage performances by reggae artists, including headliner The Twinkle Brothers.

Even the rain didn't detract visitors from attending. Even the rain didn't detract visitors from attending.
Even the rain didn't detract visitors from attending. | Kelvin Lister-Stuttard

Following the procession on Sunday, Moor Park came alive with the sounds, tastes, and colours of the Caribbean allowing for a family fun day.

Moor Park came alive over the weekend with the sound of music and a colourful parade.Moor Park came alive over the weekend with the sound of music and a colourful parade.
Moor Park came alive over the weekend with the sound of music and a colourful parade. | Kelvin Lister-Stuttard.

Visitors listened to live performances, while sampling a wide array of Caribbean and international cuisine, while children went on inflatable rides with their faces painted. With something for everyone, it’s impossible not to be transported into a happy place with such feel good vibes and a sense of unity that the Preston Caribbean Carnival does so well.

Here’s to another 50 years!

Related topics:WeatherPrestonPeopleOrganisersParticipantsCaribbean

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.