Carnival in numbers: outlining the investment, infrastructure and impact behind carnival

As we work towards 2027 carnival activity, including the much-loved procession through the streets of St Pauls. We're committed to being open about what it takes to deliver one of Bristol's most significant cultural celebrations.

That is why we've created our ‘Carnival in Numbers’ resource.

The aim is simple: to help people better understand what Carnival delivers, where our funding comes from, how that money is spent, and the impact it creates for communities across Bristol and beyond.

While finances are an important part of the story, they are only one part. ‘Carnival in Numbers’ is designed to demonstrate the relationship between investment, delivery, participation and impact and to provide greater transparency about the work that takes place both on Carnival day and throughout the year in our 365 programme.

(Click infographic above to view in full and download)

What the numbers tell us?

The figures also help illustrate the scale of work required to deliver Carnival safely and successfully. From infrastructure, security and safeguarding through to cultural programming, operations and community engagement, much of the work that makes Carnival possible takes place long before the first performer takes to the streets.

It's important to recognise that Carnival has operated through a range of different delivery models in recent years, including pandemic-era activity, Back A Yard events, year-round programming and the return of the full-scale street Carnival in 2023. As a result, figures from different years should be viewed within the context of what was being delivered at that time rather than as direct like-for-like comparisons.

Our commitment to transparency

We know people care deeply about St Pauls Carnival, and we welcome questions about how we operate. By sharing more information about our finances, delivery and impact, we hope to provide a clearer understanding of both the value Carnival creates and the investment required to sustain it.

As we continue rebuilding towards 2027 activity, we'll keep sharing the stories behind the numbers and the impact those numbers help make possible.

Explore and download the ‘Carnival In Numbers’ infographic here.