Levi Roots finishes term as carnival chair

Levi Roots has finished his three year term as chair of St Pauls Carnival

Businessman and musician Levi Roots has stepped down as chair of Bristol's St Pauls Carnival after finishing his three year term.

Mr Roots said he was "very proud" of his involvement with the carnival, saying last year's, which was the first after the pandemic, is seen as one of the best ever.

St Pauls Carnival celebrates Afro-Caribbean music, food and culture, and this year was scaled down as organisers decided to only do a full celebration every two years.

Mr Roots said: "It was a dream come true to be asked to be chairman of this most amazing community based initiative that has been going on for many years."

St Pauls Carnival celebrated its 50th year in 2018

Mr Roots added "it was really tricky and difficult" to help steer the carnival after the pandemic due to the difficulties of fundraising.

St Pauls Carnival is seen by many as the "heart of Bristol" for its level of community involvement.

The carnival also runs Carnival 365 - a range of workshops, assemblies and lessons with the country’s leading carnival practitioners to spread the word of carnival traditions all year round.

Mr Roots used to sell his Caribbean sauce in shops around Bristol, including in St Pauls.

"I've enjoyed many good times with my business and St Pauls was at the centre of that," he said.

"For me it was something that was really special and a time for me to give back.

"St Pauls had given me the love and respect by saying yes you can be a Rasta man with a guitar and we'll buy your sauces."

St Pauls Carnival includes a procession through the streets of Bristol

Mr Roots found fame on the BBC's Dragons' Den in 2007 when he pitched his Caribbean sauce by singing to the panel of business investors.

Since then he has gone on to help with several community initiatives including helping reform convicts.

He said: "Unfortunately the three years have now come to an end and I think its apt that someone else comes in now, to change up the vibes and take it forward another three years."

He added that the new chairman has got a great opportunity to get more Bristol-based businesses involved in supporting the carnival.

"I do think that there is an opportunity with Bristol-based businesses to invest in something that is intrinsically Bristol," he said.

"People are still inspired by St Pauls Carnival."

St Pauls Carnival is currently looking for a new chair, organisers said they want someone who "relishes community, culture and the arts, is passionate about music and carnival, but also understands the fiduciary and governance responsibilities of the role".

A full-scale carnival is due to be held next summer.