After a hiatus of nearly 30 years, on Bank Holiday Monday, 26th May St Denys, Southampton, will be buzzing with the sounds, sights, and excitement of a carnival.
A group of local residents, known as St Denys Crew, have come together to organise the event, which is free to attend and promises a whole host of entertainment and a kaleidoscope of colour and joy.
The event runs from 11:00am-15:00pm. The Carnival parade is set to depart from 11:30am, and will include eco-powered floats, waves of cyclists, and performers on foot, who will travel from St Denys Community Centre through the streets of south St Denys, taking in a music stop at the South Western Arms and ending back at the community centre.
The parade theme is Nature, as St Denys Carnival kicks off Southampton National Park City’s Urban Wild Festival series of events which span 26th May to the 1st June in celebration of the green and blue spaces within Southampton.
James Foster, of the St Denys Crew Carnival Organising Team said: “We are delighted to be bringing back this iconic event, which really celebrates the community of St Denys and highlights what is great about Southampton as a whole.
“From local stall holders showcasing crafts and handmade gifts, amateur bakers, to musicians, tug of war teams and parade attendees, this event is set to really bring people together at a time where things are tough for a lot of us. It is our mission to spread joy and happiness to this incredible part of our city.”
As well as the parade, attendees can enjoy events across venues in St Denys, including live music from a host of talented musicians, an extensive craft market, a “cake off” competition and tug of war contest at the St Denys Community Centre. The New Testament Church of God in Priory Road is set to offer performances from an amazing Gospel DJ, ‘have a go’ craft activities and a Caribbean barbeque.
And of course, no carnival is complete without an after party, which takes place at Woodies at The Junction on Priory Road. There will also be live music at The Dolphin Pub on Osbourne Road South and The South Western Arms on Adelaide Road as part of the Carnival Celebrations.
The St Denys Carnival crew are additionally excited to announce a photography exhibition at St Denys Church running from 19th-26th May celebrating memories of St Denys celebrations and past carnivals. The organisers are also keen to hear from former St Denys Carnival Queens and Princesses, as they are invited to launch and walk the parade.
Interested local traders, parade enthusiasts, tug of war hopefuls and cake chefs are encouraged to check out the carnival website and sign up to be part of this historic carnival, as spaces are going fast – check out stdenyscarnival.uk for more information.
- In Common is not for profit. We rely on donations from readers to keep the site running. Could you help to support us for as little as 25p a week? Please help us to carry on offering independent grass roots media. Visit: https://www.patreon.com/incommonsoton