Pop-up fiesta is taster of Preston Caribbean Carnival
A Caribbean steel band gave visitors to a Preston shopping park a taste of a hotly anticipated carnival in the summer.
Hobbycraft at Deepdale retail park was buzzing with dancers, musicians and younsters making masks to get in the spirit of the fiesta on Saturday.
The pop-up mini carnival was just a foretaste of what is to come on June 25 when at least a dozen decorated trucks with dancing troupes will bedazzle onlookers as they parade through the city centre.
Dressed to the nines in eye-catching colourful costumes, dancers will be accompanied by DJs and the procession winds through town.
Speaking to the Post from the pop-up carnival Carol Nevins, tresurer of Preston Caribbean Carnival said: “Its been really good, there’s been some nice visitors and a bit of creativity, we’ve had a steady stream of people coming through all day.
“I think a steel band lifts the atmosphere and that echoes throughout the store.”
Four musicians from Preston Steel Connection beat out a host of tunes dressed in silk-printed shoulder and head pieces.
Meanwhile carnival dance troupe Spectrum Association performed their best moves to wow the crowds who stopped to appreciate the performances.
Several festival costumes were also on display in Hobbycraft for people to get a closer look at them.
Youngsters also got the chance to take part in craft activities led by Hobbycraft staff making masks, bunting and banners.
The pop-up event is one of a series planned in the run up to the carnival to raise money and the profile of the annual pageant which is in its 43rd year.