Bath Carnival will take place on 21 July, with the stage set and the streets being prepared for the city’s biggest free party ever which will include plenty of activities for families.
This year’s Carnival procession, which takes place from 3-5.30pm, will be a musical extravaganza with over 200 Samba drummers, up-tempo New Orleans style brass bands and steel pan band floats.
Hundreds of school children and community groups are rehearsing hard for a collaborative performance, fusing Afro-Brazilian dance styles, alongside professional dancers.
Plus there’ll be stilt walkers, walkabout acts and mini-sound-systems adding to the tropical street party atmosphere.
The procession comes to an extraordinary end around Laura Fountain, with a Grand Finale combining Rio style Samba with New Orleans style Mardi Gras brass.
Party in the Park at Sydney Gardens
FREE
10am-10pm
Carnival returns to Sydney Gardens for the free Party in the Park, a family friendly festival featuring a carefully selected line-up of World music which includes Afrobeat and Latin Vibes, upbeat New Orleans Brass not to mention Flamenco, Balkan and Dub.
New for 2018 there are two new areas. Hidden away behind the trees is a The Chill Field, a secret hideaway of serenity; a haven of healers, therapists, relaxing activities and workshops.
Meanwhile, over the bridge you’ll find the new Acoustic Quarter, a whole area devoted to a more intimate live music experience with acoustic acts performing throughout the day.
The Kids’ Area has received a makeover too with Carnival inspired games, barrels full of toys and piles of fancy dress clothes to keep the little ones entertained.
Main Stage Line-up
Matuki
Sizzling horns, tough basslines and interlocking guitars from the heavy hitters of Afrobeat.
Mama Jerk and The Ladyfingers
French-infused horns, bass, guitar lines and heavy dub rhythms.
Aji Pa Ti
A tropical fusion of Caribbean rhythms matched with Salsa and Cumbia.
Brejeiro
Specialists in the Choro style of music from Brazil. Twin mandolins, guitar and dynamic Latin percussion.
SOMA
Energetic compositions and contagious beats with Afro-Latin influences; sure to get you dancing.
Flamenco Thief
Ska, Hip-hop and Gypsy Swing delicately poised between the classical and contemporary.
The Brass Disciples
Awesome 15 piece with an exciting repertoire of authentic instrumental New Orleans brass.
Mas-camp at Green Park Station
Mon 16 – Fri 20 July
FREE
11:30am-8.30pm
An entire week of free drop-in workshop open to anyone and everyone. Members of the public are invited to join our team of artists to add the final touches to our enormous collection of costumes, puppets, structures and installations for the final event. Drop in any time to find out what it’s all about.
Each evening we’ll be hosting a specific Carnival arts workshop in dance, costume or drumming, but with limited spaces available you need to signup through the website ASAP.
Highlights
Samba Drumming
Mon 16 July
6-7.30pm
FREE
Shake a Chocalho, pound a Surdo or roll on a Caixa and become part of the distinctive sound of Samba with Jamma de Samba. (25 spaces available)
Family Bloc
Tue 17 July
5-7.30pm
FREE
A chance for parent and child to get creative together – decorating their pushchair in true Carnival style. Once finished you’re invite you to join the Family Bloc in the procession. (20 spaces available)
Afro-Brazilian Maractu Drumming AND Dance
Wednesday 18 July
5.30-8pm
FREE
A double biller! An introductory dance session with our dance teacher Angeles Montero and Maractu style percussion with Afon Sistema, winners of the Bath Carnival 2016 procession. (25 spaces available)
Head Dress Master Class
Thursday 19 July
5.30-7.30pm Drop-in
£8
Pick up your bag of materials on arrival and learn how to make a beautiful Carnival head dress. Even bring your own items to customize! (20 spaces available)
African Dance
Friday 20 July
6.30-7.30pm
FREE
Amazing opportunity to learn the basic patterns from the Zagrobi and Digba dance which orginated from the Bette people located in South West Ivory Coast. (20 spaces)
There’s still time to be part of this year’s Carnival. Head over to the Carnival website to register to be in the procession, hire a costume or volunteer at the event.
www.bathcarnival.co.uk@bathcarnival
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