People of st pauls carnival - Ashley of Jerk King
We may not be meeting in person for Carnival 2021 but we can still celebrate the people that make Carnival what it is.
Ashley’s family have been a part of the fabric of St Pauls Carnival since the very beginning in 1968. If you’ve eaten delicious food at Carnival…you’ve probably been to Jerk King.
I'm Ashley Burrowes from Bristol and I run an outdoor catering service called Jerk King selling amazing Jerk and bits on the side!
My grandmother had a stall at the first-ever St Pauls Carnival and my father had two Jamaican restaurants in the 1980s on Stokes Croft and Union Street in the centre. I've been attending St Paul's Carnival and Notting Hill Carnival for the last 33 years as I have family that also live in Westbourne Park and catered at both festivals.
A picture of my Gran baking a cake for carnival.
What have you learnt in the last 12 months?
This last 12 months I have made use of the time by learning new skills like how to adapt my business and have grown lots of vegetables at the allotment.
What does Carnival mean to you?
As a Bristolian, St Paul's Carnival means so much to me. Growing up it was a big part of our youth and we always looked forward to attending. Making sure we had outfits, planning where we could meet friends etc. My love for Carnival has grown, I even built a business around being at Carnivals!
Does St Pauls Carnival feel different to other Carnivals you have been to? If so, how?
Everybody across the country loves Bristol Carnival and it is very well known. The reason being it is one of the oldest carnivals and also was well known for staying on for the longest duration. It’s know for its foods, local music and after-parties.
What are you looking forward to at next year's Carnival?
I'm looking forward to seeing all my family get together from around the world, my children enjoying themselves and obviously me and the Jerk King team serving our amazing authentic cuisine to all of the festival-goers.
What is your favourite Carnival moment?
My favourite carnival moment is when you find that good food stall and sound system and you know your in for good vibes and a treat.