FAQs
Is carnival happening this year?
Yes, While we’re not hosting a full street parade this year, Back-a-Yard 2025 offers a vibrant programme of smaller community events across the city. These celebrations still capture the spirit, culture, and creativity of St Pauls Carnival - honouring this year’s theme, Roots of Resistance.
Is there a parade this year?
No, there won’t be a full street parade this year. Instead, we're celebrating with Back a Yard - a vibrant series of smaller events that honour the spirit, culture, and creativity of Carnival in a more community-focused way.
Who's playing on carnival day?
There is lots going on throughout the day and night including community events and a a range of performances happening across Carnival day. View whats on here.
Why isn't there a full-scale Carnival and procession this year?
This year’s events are part of our Back-a-Yard 2025 programme, which focuses on community-led, smaller-scale events. These intimate gatherings celebrate local culture while allowing us to build toward a full-scale Carnival in 2026. Planning a full-scale Carnival takes significant time and funding.
Will there be a full Carnival next year 2026?
Yes, we’re working toward bringing back the full St Pauls Carnival in 2026, including the famous procession, sound systems, and main stage. We’ll be sharing updates throughout the year as plans develop. It is all dependent on funding though, we have to fully fund Carnival ourselves if you’d like to make a donation to help bring Carnival back you can do so here.
What does ‘Back-a-Yard’ mean?
Back A Yard is a Jamaican phrase meaning “back home” or “where I’m from.” For us, it reflects a return to the community roots of Carnival – celebrating local culture, resistance, music, and heritage.
What is this year’s theme?
This year's theme is Roots of Resistance. 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Race Relations Act. We’re honouring Bristol’s rich legacy of activism, from the Windrush generation to the Bristol Bus Boycott and beyond.
Where does your funding come from?
St Pauls Carnival CIC is funded through grants (Arts Council England, Bristol City Council), sponsorships, community funding and ticketed events that help us sustain future programmes. Carnival costs £500,000 to put on and this is just the cost of carnival day! Carnival contributes £9.2 million into the city’s economy. We receive small amounts of funding and free support. Information on our Sponsors, Funding and Partnerships can be found here.
Do I need to book tickets?
Yes, tickets are required to attend our events. Visit the event listings for the latest info: Back-a-Yard 2025.
How can I get involved?
We welcome volunteers, performers, traders, artists and creatives. Find out more here.
Where can I find event times and locations?
All dates, times, and venues are listed on our website here: Back-a-Yard 2025 Schedule.
Is parking available?
Yes there is street parking outside each venue. The nearest multi storey car park is the Cabot Circus car park.
Event-Specific FAQs
Circomedia Community Celebration – Portland Square
Is this event free?
Yes this is a free, family-friendly celebration with music, food, and performances.
What’s happening there?
Live acts: Da Fuchaman, 1 Relation Sound, Tan Teddy + more
Family activities: Mask-making, crafts, and performances from local schools.
How can I get tickets?
Get your tickets here.
Tickets for this event have now sold out online, but a limited number will be available on the door so arrive early to avoid missing out!
Docklands Community Carnival – Carnival Day (5 July)
What is Youth Mas Camp?
Youth Mas Camps is a camp for young people to design costumes and get parade-ready. Running from 19th June to 1st July at the The Ranch Adventure Playground & Youth Space or Docklands - a great way for young people to get involved, get creative, and get into the Carnival vibe! For more information visit here.
What’s the schedule on carnival day?
12–2PM: Kids’ activities + drumming + food
2PM: Youth Club Parade
3PM: Youth Talent Show
4PM: Ujima Radio Takeover
Can anyone attend?
Yes It’s a free, inclusive day for families and communities.
Roots Yard @ Lost Horizon
What is it?
A daytime celebration of roots music and activism. Expect Reggae, Soca, Calypso + more.
Is this event linked to the theme?
Yes every genre featured here has deep ties to resistance and cultural expression, in honour of the Windrush generation and Bristol Bus Boycott.
Do I need a ticket?
Yes, tickets are available here.
Are tickets available on the door?
Yes there are tickets on the door subject to availability. First come first serve.
Are there age restrictions?
This event is 14+. Any under 18s must be accompanied by someone 21 and over.
Lakota x St Pauls Carnival: Roots to Rave
What’s happening in the day?
There will be two music areas:
Roots Yard – Soundsystems (Jah Lokko, Dubkasm, Bassi, etc.)
Afrobeats & Dancehall Yard – DJs like Kahn, Chiedza & more
Food stalls: Caribbean food and cultural vendors
What’s happening at night?
Night session features Jungle, UK Bass, and Carnival-inspired sets with:
General Levy, DJ Krust, AÆE, and more.
Where can I get tickets?
Get your tickets here - https://lakota.co.uk/events/st-pauls-carnival-x-lakota-day-night-takeover/
Are tickets available on the door?
Yes there are tickets on the door subject to availability. First come first serve.
Is There An Age Restriction?
This event is 18+ event,
Booty Bass x Circomedia – Carnival Night
When is this event happening?
This event will be hosted at Circomedia 5th July from 8pm to 2am. There is more information on the event here.
What makes this event unique?
It’s a high-energy celebration of queerness, empowerment, and sound system culture, led by all-female crews like Booty Bass + Krowned Kollective.
Is this a fundraiser?
Yes ticket sales help support future Carnival programming. Get your tickets here.
Are tickets available on the door?
Yes there are tickets on the door subject to availability. First come first serve.
Is There An Age Restriction?
Yes, this event is 18+.
Elders’ Brunch – 10AM–12PM, Carnival Day
Can I attend?
This is an invite only event to honour our community elders with food, music and a sing-along.
How do I get involved?
You can volunteer or help support this cherished tradition via the website here.