People of st pauls carnival - Amanda Wall, Volunteer
We may not be meeting in person for Carnival 2021 but we can still celebrate the people that make Carnival what it is.
Born and bred Bristolian Amanda Wall has been coming to St Pauls Carnival since she was 15 years old. She has only missed 4 Carnivals!
What does Carnival mean to you?
Everything! My mum was a social worker in St Pauls, this is how I became a part of the community and have been ever since. Working with Dan Hart, Malcolm Haynes, LaToyah has been a joy and I would not hesitate to support the carnival ongoing. I have seen every procession over the years and the joy that this gives the children and local community, coming together there really is nothing like it.
Tell us about your experiences of Carnival…
I have seen so many artists and run stages there over the years. I was heavily pregnant with Dominic my son one year and he loved it.
Decibelle Music Agency had the car park back in 1999 / 2000 and Bansky tagged it all day till dusk and Miss Westone and Onallee played. It was a huge lineup with the likes of Andrew Styles etc. I have helped run the carnival for many years and I will continue to support it even if not so involved this year because it was digital. I ran Ruffneck Ting bar in Ashley Road 2 years ago. I’ve seen FDO on the main stage 4 years ago, LD and Theo, working with all sorts of Bristol contacts over the years and performed there many a time.
St Pauls Carnival procession
Does St Pauls Carnival feel different to other Carnivals you have been to? If so, how?
St Pauls Carnival is really very unique. I went to Hackney Carnival a couple of years ago and there just wasn't that sense of unity and community. It felt completely different and didn't have the same intimacy as St Pauls. The atmosphere and sense of love is unbeatable and maybe that is because I am Bristolian, originally my mum was from Hackney. The vibe was completely different and I for one am really proud of Carnival and can see why people come from all over to it.
What are you looking forward to at next year's Carnival?
Delivering the Elders Brunch, they are all so lovely and it is a pleasure to do - again the thankyou's and love felt from all last year makes it all worthwhile and the volunteers are amazing too. Be lovely to work with them all again on Carnival Day and cannot wait to say hi and see what people been up to.
What is your favourite Carnival moment?
Procession! For definite, the effort and costumes are out of this world, the children light up and the atmosphere is priceless! There really is no other Carnival quite like this one and I for one am very proud to be part of it.
What have you learnt in the last 12 months?
How to redirect skills and utilise what I have to work with regard to live streams instead of events and making the best of what we have. Life doesn't stop because of lockdown and we actually had more profile due to this. Turn a negative into a positive wherever possible and love one another!!!!