St Pauls Carnival’s Back A Yard programme returns as the organisation launches a new fundraising campaign
St Pauls Carnival’s Back a Yard is making its eagerly anticipated return this summer. Following a successful return to the streets in 2023, the organisation announced that it would move to a biennial model, alternating between a large-scale street event and a smaller, more intimate programme.
This year's Back a Yard Carnival-inspired two-week celebration kicks off on 22nd June, Windrush Day, with "Sounds of Windrush: Human Library" at Circomedia, sponsored by Greensleeves Hi-Fi. This evening of storytelling will delve into the impact of the Windrush Generation on Bristol’s music scene, followed by an afterparty featuring renowned artists such as Big D, Keith Lawrence, Dazee, and Gemmy. The programme culminates on Saturday, 6th July, traditionally Carnival Day, with an It Takes A City Day Party at The Boxing Gym in St Judes.
Additionally, St Pauls Carnival is partnering with various community and cultural organisations to enrich the programme, including a Caribbean music showcase at Bristol Beacon and a fashion show at Montpelier High School. For more details, visit www.stpaulscarnival.org.uk/backayard2024.
Alongside the Back A Yard programme, St Pauls Carnival has launched a fundraising campaign – It Takes a City. The decision to move to the bi-annual model is based on the need to ensure the viability of the event and the organisation in a time where the arts and events sector is experiencing significant cost increases; many festivals have either cancelled or closed over the past 12 months.
St Pauls Carnival Executive Director, LaToyah McAllister-Jones, feels the campaign has an important message. “We understand the disappointment that there isn’t a full-scale Carnival this year, especially after such a successful and vibrant comeback event in 2023. We are so proud of what was achieved last year and how well-received the event was. However, a post-covid landscape and cost of living crisis has taken its toll on the events sector. We want to talk to the whole city – citizens, businesses and institutions – about the huge benefits Carnival brings to our communities. I really do believe ‘it takes a city’ to support an iconic event like St Pauls Carnival and what this means that everyone has a part to play in securing its legacy for generations to come.’
St Pauls Carnival collaborated with UWE Business School to carry out an economic impact report on the 2023 event; Carnival is estimated to generate £9.2 million across the city and the region over July weekend. “This money is spent in the gardens selling food and drink in St Pauls; the city’s pubs, restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues,” explains LaToyah.
Carnival Chair, Levi Roots, encourages everyone to look out for the It Takes a City poster and contribute to Carnival. “Last year was amazing. We had 120, 000 people in the streets with good vibes all day. If everyone donated £2 on the day, this would make a huge difference. We want people to look out for the campaign poster and give whatever they can. Carnival brings so much joy to so many people. It deserves a little something back.”
St Pauls Carnival has also launched five Crowdfunder prize draws in collaboration with event organisers based in Bristol, London and Wales. “We’re really excited about our Crowdfunder. We have tickets for some exciting events and experiences in the city and beyond. We want to give everyone a way to support Carnival and our Crowdfunder also gives people a chance to get to some of the top events happening this summer!” says Carnival’s Executive Director.