Preston's Caribbean Carnival set to be the biggest ever

After 43 years as a single day event, this year’s calypso fiesta is being spread over two days, with a music festival on Saturday June 9, followed by the traditional carnival procession and family fun day on the Sunday.

“The weekend is the biggest party Preston will see in 2018,” said a committee spokesperson. “The addition of a Sound System Festival is an exciting twist this year.

“We expect 17,000 visitors overall to join in the fun, celebrating the flamboyant, creative Caribbean culture within our city.”

The line-up for the Saturday festival has been announced, with 10 separate gazebos spaced out around Moor Park offering different styles of music, including Soca, Reggae, Roots, Dub and Calypso.

Headline acts include King Tubby and Dub Smugglers featuring vocalist Kuntri Ranks.

Manchester band Megatone will also perform, as they celebrate 40 years in music this year. Luv Injection from Birmingham and Axis Soun from Huddersfield are also on the bill.

Preston’s own Government Sound, V Rocket from Nottingham, Phoenix Sound from Preston and Isalnd Wave Radio from Huddersfield are also booked in.

Gladdy Wax (Mr Vinyl Fingers) from Birmingham, who is a legend at the Notting Hill Carnival, will be another major scoop for Preston. And Sisters of Reggae will be doing a special guest set at the Moor Park event.