Image: Steve Hickman.
Following an incredibly successful St Denys Carnival last year, the popular event is back on Saturday 23rd May with a yo-ho-ho and a new Arts Festival.
The free to attend carnival promises a whole host of entertainment, including a parade, craft stalls, live music, hands on art creation, a photographic exhibition, an art exhibition from local artists on the theme “our river”, and a baking competition ‘St Denys Cake Off’.
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 St Denys Church and ending back at the community centre.
The parade theme is Pirates of the River Itchen, and combined with the ‘our river’ Arts Exhibition kicks off Southampton National Park City’s Urban Wild Festival series of events which span 23rd-31st May in celebration of the green and blue spaces within Southampton and “reimagining Southampton”.
James Foster, of the St Denys Crew Carnival Organising Team said: “We are back for another year of community celebration, artistic expression and fun. From local stall holders showcasing crafts and handmade gifts, amateur bakers, to musicians, art and photography exhibitions and parade attendees, to the best in local food provision, this event is set to really bring people together. It remains 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, a craft market, a “cake off” competition, and brilliant food vendors at St Denys Community Centre. The St Denys Social Club join the roster this year with a a barbecue and outdoor stalls and evening entertainments. The New Testament Church of God in Priory Road is set to offer performances from an amazing Gospel/Soca DJ and a Caribbean barbeque.
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 Osborne 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 an Arts Festival including a photography and art exhibition at St Denys Church running from 23rd-29th May celebrating the river.
Interested local traders, parade enthusiasts, 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.
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