City gears up for 50th Caribbean carnival

This year's festival will see participants wearing iconic carnival costume pieces from over the last 50 years

Preparations are underway for a city's 50th Caribbean carnival celebrating all things colourful and creative.

Organisers have promised Preston's Caribbean Carnival will be an exciting and memorable weekend for all attendees.

This year's festival will include a procession which will see participants dance, drum, and revel through the city centre, wearing iconic carnival costume pieces from over the last 50 years.

"Local carnival dance troupes have practised all year in preparation for the event and we are all excited," Tracey Harris, chairperson at Preston Caribbean Carnival said.

'Milestone celebration'

The weekend of festivities will begin with the One Park Living Legends stage show Moor Park on Saturday.

The ticketed event will feature live stage performances by reggae artists, including headliner The Twinkle Brothers.

Following the procession on Sunday, Moor Park will come alive with the sounds, tastes, and colours of the Caribbean for a family fun day.

Visitors can expect live performances, sound systems, and a wide array of Caribbean and international cuisine.

The park will also host various activities for children, including face painting, creative workshops, and inflatable rides.

"This year's carnival is a milestone celebration of the vibrant Caribbean culture that has enriched our city for half a century," Councillor Peter Kelly, cabinet member for Arts and Culture at Preston City Council, said.

"The Caribbean Carnival is an opportunity to participate in the rich culture of the Caribbean right here in Preston."