On Saturday 11th July, Bath Carnival will once again fill the streets of the beautiful city of Bath with the sights and sounds of a Brazilian Carnival.
Months of planning and preparation will culminate in a day of celebration, with a family friendly party in Parade Gardens and a vibrant procession through the streets of Bath.
Event organisers have been working alongside schools, community groups, artists and workshop leaders to build a creative and inclusive project.
Under the theme of ‘Creatures, Colour and Communities’, their aim is to showcase local talent, allowing those participating to shine and spectators to experience the atmosphere of a Brazilian Carnival.
Robbie Verrecchia, Carnival Director, became inspired to bring this style of celebration to Bath after experiencing the Rio Carnival.
He said: “The best thing about Carnival is that anyone can get involved.
“Being a Samba teacher for many years I have seen all ages and abilities benefit from learning how to drum, make a costume and dance to live music. Bath Carnival is a chance to give everyone in Bath these opportunities for free.
“It has been brilliant to have so much fantastic support from local businesses who want to see Bath host this annual event.
“I think that a Carnival project is made particularly special when everyone can contribute in their own way.”
Throughout each stage of the events organisation, there has been an effort to offer opportunities to members of Bath’s diverse community.
With this in mind, all the publicity for the event has been branded and designed by talented graduates from Bath Spa University, Joe Brown and Kate Fawcett, and printed by one of the community sponsors, Minuteman Press.
On the day of the event, part of Parade Gardens will be transformed into a magical Carnival themed Kids Zone thanks to the support from SuperPirates, a Bath based children’s entertainment company.
RS security, RMS Audio Visual, Alide Equipment Hire and Waitrose have also offered their support to help create the event, which is created on a limited budget.
Further thanks is given to the community sponsors: Harvest, Mint Room, Bath and West, Hall and Woodhouse, Henny and Joe’s ltd, Yammo, Big Bath City BID, Lawrence Fairfield ltd, PQA Academy and Caribbean Kitchen, all of which have contributed alongside the Arts Council funding to enable the team reach more schools and groups across Bath.
The generosity of these community sponsors has enabled Robbie and his team to provide a series of free Carnival arts workshops.
These sessions will take place at local schools and community centres from Monday 29th June.
Everyone is invited to signup and come along to make a costume. Find out more at bathcarnival.co.uk/jointheparade.
If you would like to get involved in the event, there are still opportunities to train as a steward and volunteer for a shift on the day.
For more information visit: bathcarnival.co.uk/steward
The Carnival celebrations will begin in Parade Gardens from 11am with live music throughout the day, and local food, drinks and ice cream available.
There will be opportunities for all ages to take part in the free dance sessions, which are suitable for all abilities.
The dance programme, coordinated by La Brigata, will include workshops led by; Bath Salsa, Gabrielle Zumba Gold, African Sambistas and Anna Flamenco.
After collecting your costume, you can join the procession and shake your hips to the Carnival beats alongside your friends and family.
The procession will feature local schools, dance clubs and community groups dressed in colourful creature costumes.
Also performing on the day are professional Carnival bands such as Ilu Axe, Afon Sistema, Ola Samba and Bath School of Samba. Expect to see the VIP Carnival Bus, flowery Nextbike’s, princesses, superheroes and much more.
After the procession the Carnival party will continue in Parade Gardens, with DJs in the Disco Den and headline acts on the stage till 10pm.
Those who wish to keep dancing are invited to the Carnival After Party, in collaboration with Ghetto Funk at the Nest nightclub.
Bath Carnival has been kept as an entirely free, outdoor event offering everyone in the city the chance to come participate in and enjoy dance, music and arts together.
