Legendary Carnival Makes Docklands its Home

St Pauls is known for its rich culture and deeply rooted music scene, an incredible legacy of the Windrush generation here in Bristol. Our most loved event is our legendary Carnival, which has grown in size and reputation to become one of the UK’s most accessible and inclusive celebrations.

Original Trend-Setting Suburb

Did you know that back in the 18th Century, St Pauls was laid out as one of Bristol’s first suburbs? Back then it was one of the city’s most fashionable districts, and though plenty has changed over the past few centuries, fast forward to 2017 and St Pauls was named fifth ‘coolest’ place to live in the UK by The Times. But, more importantly, today St Pauls houses a thriving, ethnically diverse community, offering activities and opportunities for all ages powered by grassroots and non-profit organisations.

Welcome Back to St Pauls Carnival

A true testament to this community-led ethos is our treasured Carnival, which is set to return even bigger and better in 2022, and will be planned from their new home here at Docklands Community Centre. Carnival organisers have taken over a first-floor office space to provide a base for their growing team.

It's apt as the very first carnival event was planned from the centre back in 1968. It quickly became one of the biggest carnivals in the UK, second only to Notting Hill. In 2018, as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, the official carnival anthem was written by a group of talented young people in our very own music studio, supported by ACE.

Carnival 365's Mission

Now Carnival 365 also brings the history and heritage of Carnival to communities all year round.

Their mission is to celebrate the life and evolving stories of Bristol’s African Caribbean communities through the creative spirit of song, art, music and movement. The Carnival places key focus on artistic, cultural and educational excellence, by providing an annual programme of activities culminating into a weekend of Carnival celebrations on the first Saturday of July that is embedded into the city's cultural and artistic calendar.

Look Out for Creative Opportunities

We can’t wait to see our building become a hub of carnival creativity! Look out for community consultations, workshops, volunteer opportunities and fundraisers which will be hosted at the centre.

You can check out the latest news and updates from St Pauls Carnival here.