St Pauls Carnival boss "optimistic" despite cancelling 2025 edition
Organisers blame "financial pressures" in the events sector
The woman behind one of Bristol's biggest summer events, St Pauls Carnival, says she is optimistic about its future, despite announcing this year's edition will not go ahead because of financial pressures.
Last Thursday (13th February) it was announced organisers would deliver a "scaled-down programme" in 2025 because of "ongoing challenges" in the events sector.
Explaining the decision to Hits Radio however, executive director LaToyah McAllister-Jones insists the event is not in serious jeopardy.
She said: "I'm feeling pretty optimistic.
"I'm really pleased that we are able to deliver a programme this year, because its been a really, really tough time since 2023 for St Pauls Carnival, but not only for us, for all events and cultural organisations.
"Despite the disappointment that I know people will be feeling about not having a full scale event, we will be celebrating African, Caribbean culture and heritage and I'm really excited about the programme that we'll be delivering."
Last week the team announced the programme this year will include an Elders' Brunch to honour the elders of Bristol's Afro-Caribbean community, a series of school events including costume-making and dance workshops and several food, music and performance events.
On why a full carnival cannot happen, Ms McAllister-Jones said: "Everything costs more (now), but everyone has less.
"Carnival in 2019 I think it cost something like £450,000. In 2023 it cost more like £520,000 and when we looked at the indicative budget its looking more like £600,000 this year, and that is a hell of a lot of money to raise...
"In order to make sound financial decisions and ensure that the organisation is financially stable, £600,000 this year was a stretch."
New chair of the Carnival Dr Michele Curtis said: "We are focused on ensuring we can continue to protect the legacy of Caribbean culture and the St Pauls Carnival.
"Sustainability is our focus, which means careful financial planning and developing ways to generate income throughout the year.
“What’s equally important is that our communities, both locally and across the city, understand the huge social and economic impact of Carnival. If we want to protect its legacy, everyone has a role to play – whether through volunteering, donating, or sponsorship.”
Since its creation in 1968 St Pauls Carnival has grown to become one of the biggest UK events of its kind, attracting more than 120,000 people at its peak and contributing £9.2 million to the regional economy.
Supporters are being asked to help secure Carnival's future by donating what they can, via this link.