St Pauls Carnival

About

This iconic Bristol event represents the best of African Caribbean culture, as well as the diversity, creativity and vibrancy of its home city.

The first St Pauls Carnival took place in 1968 in the St Pauls neighbourhood of Bristol. The annual African Caribbean carnival has since grown to become one of the city’s greatest cultural events.

Enjoy authentic Caribbean fayre including jerk chicken, curry goat, rice and peas, plantain and sugar cane at one of the many street food stalls. 

Visit one of the stages where you can experience an array of live acts throughout the day showcasing music genres from dancehall, reggae and soca to dub, calypso and drum and bass.

The carnival procession route:

Over 1,000 people are taking part in the procession, with 27 local troupes, plus three visiting troupes from Bath, Leeds and London, ready to entertain the crowds.

The Procession will start at noon from Wilson Street, before turning right onto Portland Square. It will make its way around the square, in an anti-clockwise direction, so people can marvel at the Carnival floats and costumes in all their glory.

The procession will then proceed along Surrey Street, before turning right onto York Street. Then, the procession will turn right onto City Road, making its way to the judging point at the junction of City and Ashley Roads. Judging will take place at around 2pm.

Once judges have announced the winners, the procession will continue down Ashley Road, turn right onto Lower Ashley Road, and then turn right onto Tudor Road. Next, it will turn left onto Fern Street, before turning right onto Newfoundland Road. The procession will end outside St Pauls Sports Centre at approximately 4pm.

Read more:
- The ultimate A-Z guide to Bristol
​​​- 119 Things to do in Bristol in 2019