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St Paul’s Carnival to ‘scale down’ for 2025
When St Paul’s Carnival returns to Bristol in July, it will be significantly smaller than in previous years.
In 2023, the famous event returned after a long break which saw it postponed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
More than 120,000 people attended the 2023 celebration of African-Caribbean culture, after which it was revealed that 2024 would be a fallow year for the new biannual Carnival.
is needed now More than ever
But organisers have now decided to “deliver a scaled-down programme of events” in 2025 due to financial constraints that have continued to impact the events industry since the pandemic.
LaToyah McAllister-Jones, the executive director of Carnival, said: “Like many other cultural organisations right now, particularly events, St Paul’s Carnival has had to make some difficult decisions, driven by financial pressures and the need to ensure the organisation is sustainable for the long-term.
“As a recipient of public-funding, there is an obligation to ensure that we are being responsible and financially prudent.
“We are really excited with our plans for 2025, which will bring Carnival arts and culture to the city and continue to celebrate the roots of Caribbean heritage.”
LaToyah McAllister-Jones is the executive director of St Paul’s Carnival – photo: Jon Craig
Although Carnival will be scaled back, many of the events which typically take place will continue in July.
These events include the Elders’ Brunch, where the original founders of St Paul’s Carnival are celebrated. This year’s brunch will likely see a special mention made to festival co-founder and Bristol Bus Boycott pioneer Paul Stephenson, who died in November 2024.
The St Paul’s Carnival team will also continue with their education and schools programme which sees costume-making, drumming and dance workshops brought to schools across the city.
Michele Curtis, the chair of St Paul’s Carnival, said: “We are focused on ensuring we can continue to protect the legacy of Caribbean culture and the St Paul’s Carnival.
“For me, it means being careful with our finances and developing our ability to generate income throughout the year; sustainability is our focus.
“What is equally important is that our communities both close to home and within the wider city, understand the huge social and economic impact of Carnival.
“If we want to protect its legacy, everyone has a role to play, whether volunteering, donating or sponsorship.”
Main photo: Bhagesh Sachania
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