About us
Carnival
is a celebration of African Caribbean culture. It is an event where every float, stage, performer and person tells a story. A story of music, dance and community.
Since its beginnings back in 1968, St Pauls Carnival has grown in size and reputation to become one of the UK’s most accessible and inclusive events. Our aim is to inform, inspire and engage people socially and artistically through African Caribbean culture.
Our Carnival 365 programme brings the history and heritage of Carnival to communities all year round – from a world class Carnival Day, to community events, to an Education Programme bringing talks and workshops to over 6,000 students a year.
In 2017, St Pauls Carnival Community Interest Company (CIC) was formed to help create a stable and sustainable future for our iconic event. The work we do is made possible due to the amazing support from our wonderful partners, sponsors and donors who are willing to invest in our community.
Our mission
To celebrate the life and evolving stories of Bristol’s African Caribbean communities through the creative spirit of song, art, music and movement with key focus on Artistic, Cultural and Educational excellence, by providing an annual programme of activities culminating into a weekend of Carnival celebrations on the first Saturday of July in Bristol that is embedded into the cultural and artistic calendar.
our values
• Equality and diversity - Treating individuals with respect and dignity and valuing difference; Committed to equality and diversity in the application and production of our work
• Excellence - both artistic and management practices
• Access - extend access and build audiences
• Accountability - to stakeholders
• Flexibility - to allow the organisation to adapt and develop
• Integrity - striving to work ethically at all times
• Sustainability - as an organisation, a service provider and in its relationships
Our History
Economic migrants from the Caribbean settled in St Pauls in the 1950s alongside other migrant communities from Ireland and Asia. The area provided affordable housing and a sense of community for those far from home.
In 1968, ‘St Pauls Festival’ held its first celebration - a local event held by residents and activists who wanted to celebrate their culture and share it with others. It was founded by seven community activists of the Windrush generation who were part of the Bristol Bus Boycott. St Pauls Carnival is a constant reminder of how the Windrush generation created a social cohesion project that has a 52-year history and celebrates the founders who have been instrumental in making change. The celebration of the legacies of our founders, people like Roy Hackett OBE, Paul Stephenson OBE and Barbara Deterring, who are still to this day involved in the annual celebration, is significant not only to Bristol but to the UK. This event is a source of pride to our young people, work for community artists and brings together many communities.
Over the years the event attracted tens of thousands of people thanks to its good vibes, booming sound systems and colourful parade. In 1991 it became known as St Pauls Afrikan Caribbean Carnival.
Due to its popularity, the small streets of St Pauls were inundated with revellers and organisers were forced to cease the festival from 2015 to 2017. Some people suggested that the community roots of the Carnival had been lost and the party was too commercial.
In 2018, with the formation of the St Pauls Community Interest Company, the Carnival returned to celebrate its 50th birthday in style. Alongside a street party like no other, Carnival 365 was launched seeing practitioners, artists and spokespeople visit Bristol schools and share the heritage and culture of Carnival.
team Members
Julie Syer Leah Pimm
Operations Manager Education Programme Manager
Fi Gillard Gina Randall
Finance Officer Admin
Board Members
Ricardo Sharry Sally Caseley
Governance and Interim Director Finance and Operations
Vanetta Spence Richie Wollacott
Change Management Commercial
Junior Saunders Victoria Helps
Community Engagement Legal, Education and HR/Employment Law
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Richie Wollacott
Commercial
I am dedicated mum and interim executive board member with a strong background in healthcare and commerce. I'm passionate about giving back to my community and preserving the traditions that bring us together. As a volunteer, I bring a strong sense of commitment and a collaborative approach to my work, driving growth and improvement in the organizations I support. Balancing my professional life with family time is important to me, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Through my work, I aim to build stronger, more resilient community that honour the values and traditions of our carnival that matter most.
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Victoria Helps
Legal, Education and HR/Employment Law
I am a Solicitor, mother of two, gym and food enthusiast although those two don't mix very well! I have worked in the Legal industry for over 15 years specialising in various areas, more recently working in Employment law. My day to day involves managing a department of Employment lawyers in a People and Performance operational role.
I am looking forward to supporting the Carnival's continued growth and success, looking at ways we can diversify further, and build deeper connections with the community. Interesting fact, my children are Roy Hackett's great grandchildren.
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Sally Caseley
Finance and Operations
I work for Wellspring settlement, which is a community centre, based in Barton Hill, I have worked in the finance department, part time for the last 24 years.
A year or so ago I stepped down as the Chair of the Dings Community Association, after 17 years service, it is a small community by Temple Meads, I have lived here for 37 years. I was also a board member for many years for Community at Heart now known as Eastside Community Trust. As you can see I am very community minded, with a lot of years of experience. I have 2 grown up children and 2 grandchildren, and a scatty Springer Spaniel, who all keep me busy. I am looking forward to working with St Pauls Carnival new trustees, also the wider community, making the carnival even more successful, in the future.
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Junior Saunders
Community Engagement
Founder of Making Careers Happen/GCSE Boost events UK.
Growing up as one of the children of the Bristol One Parent Project (BOPP) and the Single Parent Action Network (SPAN), love and advocacy for community came at a young age to support those in need. Growing up in a strongly influenced Jamaican household with his foster mother Pearl, Junior’s roots are deeply committed to the empowerment of future generations within Bristol. Pearl was involved within the early development of the street-level carnival with her best friend Sister Ross. Junior’s memories span over two decades of being involved with carnival from being in a school float to hosting carnival to now being on the interim board.
Known for his work from talent shows within St Paul's and presence within the education world, Junior offers his experience from a truly deep community level earning the very trust of those in the area acting with honesty and love for the people of St Paul's.
