Next Carnival: 1st August 2009

From humble beginings, the Leicester Caribbean Carnival has in recent years become a hugely popular multicultural event, celebrating the diverse cultures in Leicester in addition to keeping the cultural traditions of the Caribbean alive. It began in 1985 as an event to keep the cultural traditions of the Caribbean alive has now become a multi-cultural event portraying the varied cultural diversities represented in Leicester.

From its beginings, twenty years ago, Carnival Day has always been held at Victoria Park, on the first Saturday in August. In addition there will be a Caribbean Culture Day in the City Centre on 1st August - Emancipation Day.

There will be a street parade from 1pm through the city Centre and activities at the Carnival Village from 1pm. Admission is free. Pre-events include the Carnival Costume Extravaganza at which the Carnival Queen will be chosen to lead the parade on Carnival Day. At Victoria Park the area is divided into zones. These include a Children's Village, Youth Village, Main Arena, a large Fun Fair and the Reggae Zone, which features the ever-popular Abashanti.

Carnival workshops to prepare troupes and floats as well as contestants for the Prince, Princess, Queen and Mama competitions begin each year in February.

Hours: 12:30pm - 8pm