This film about the Manchester Caribbean Carnival in 2008 includes interviews with visitors, history and background with Sonia Stewart and Micke Bisson carnival organisers, music and archives footage, parade and live performances.
The first carnival was held on 31 May 1971. The different Caribbean islands had floats and flew their own flags, and they were joined by the police band, an Irish band, a Scottish band and many local white community groups. The parade went from the park and round the City Centre. Later on the carnival has been held in August in recognition of Emancipation Day.
The annual festival always brings the Caribbean flavour and revelry for a weekend, at least, to Manchester. The procession brings traffic to a halt; as dancers display their spectacular costumes with the sounds of Reggae, Calypso and Soca pumping across the cityscape through powerful sound systems. There are Caribbean food stalls and barbecue stands on both days in the park. Various stages host a selection of Dancehall, Soca and Afrobeats, the park is full with dancers, revelers, live music and local DJ sets to provide the much-needed backdrop for visitors to relax and be festive.