All the colour and costumes of carnival... but online
PLANS FOR PARADE, PERFORMANCES, TALKS FOR CARIBBEAN SPECTACULAR
PLANS for this weekend’s digital Leicester Caribbean Carnival have been revealed.
The live event was cancelled last month for the second year in a row as organisers said they were unable to safely stage an event with the ongoing risk of Covid-19.
Instead, all the fun of the festival will be shared online in a livestreamed event which has taken months of planning.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating our past, present and future aspirations”, will feature performers young and old, as well as bringing back elements of previous events.
On Saturday, activities and entertainment will start online at 11am and run until 8pm.
Teaming up with Lindley Productions, based in Nottingham, the organisers have produced a virtual line-up that includes music and dance performances by local talent, discussions, interviews, and videos about the influence of the Windrush generation on Caribbean carnivals across the UK.
In a message on the event website, carnival chairman Dennis “Sugar” Christopher praised the dedication of the groups involved, despite the challenges faced during the lockdown.
He said: “I must congratulate those groups and individuals who have worked tirelessly through lockdown to produce songs, dance routines, costumes and keep their groups together via Zoom, WhatsApp, and other online apps.”
One of those groups is the longestablished Contrast Steel Band.
Due to the lockdown, group members had to move out of their base at the African Caribbean Centre, in Highfields, and adapted practice sessions to Zoom calls.
Saturday’s event is expected to have all the colour and excitement of the live events and will include a virtual parade.
Dennis added, in his message: “Our coordinator and her team have worked tirelessly to get things rolling and we hope you will be pleased with their efforts to keep the carnival spirit alive and well.”
The day will start with an opening ceremony and parade, followed by live performances and a programme of discussions, complete with musical interludes.
Towards the end of the event, more musical performances will include DJ and dub producer, Aba Shanti - who has been part of the Leicester carnival since day one.
The night will end with a set by Leicester Community Radio DJ Faya Love.
You will be able to join the live stream on the Leicester Caribbean Carnival YouTube channel.