It’s been fifty years since the first Manchester Caribbean Carnival took place, and this weekend will see the full two-day event returning to Alexandra Park after a hiatus caused by the Covid pandemic.

There will be an early morning ‘j’ouvert parade’ to get things underway on Saturday 13th at 7am, followed by the main parade from 12 to 2.30pm. In the Park itself will be plenty of stalls and eight stages with many acts from 12noon to 8pm on both Saturday and Sunday. The routes of both parades and more information about all the events of the weekend are on the Carnival website.

Whalley Range Labour councillor Angeliki Stogia has this message: “A great many Whalley Range and Moss Side residents have family roots in the Caribbean islands, and during the last five decades the Carnival in Manchester has grown from simple beginnings to become a highlight of Manchester’s cultural year. But above all it’s about having fun – I hope everyone can come along to events in the park this weekend, join the parades, be considerate of those around them, and enjoy themselves”.

As with all large-scale fun celebrations, some noise and disturbance is to be expected. The Council and Carnival sponsors have written to nearby residents with information about the Carnival (see below) and included the following contact numbers for those that need them:

• Manchester City Council Contact Centre – 0161 234 5004
• Greater Manchester Police – gmp.police.uk or 101 (in an emergency, always dial 999)
• Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing – 0161 226 4211
• One Manchester Housing – 03303 551000