Carnival Vibes at the African Caribbean Centre 2024
The cancellation of the Leicester Caribbean Carnival could not stifle Leicester’s celebration of over 150 years of the Caribbean emancipation. On the 3rd of August 2024, a crowd gathered at the African Caribbean Centre (ACC) for ‘Carnival Vibes at the ACC’ to ensure the 39th year of celebrations were acknowledged.
The schedule for the event allowed for ‘Carnival Vibes for the Kids’, whereby the children came together for costume workshop, nails and sparkle, arts and crafts and there were bouncy castles in the Centre for the kids. This occurred in the afternoon before the live musical performances in the evening.
The adults however were not left out during that period. We had music playing outside of the Centre and different stalls selling various items. Lilian Cooks had a stall outside and she provided the attendees with African food. Hotpot came through for our Caribbean brothers and sisters with his famous freshly BBQ’ed jerk chicken and people were fed even before they stepped into the Centre. Rampuss Rum, a black-owned rum company, were providing tasting and selling their rum outside the Centre. East Midland Cultural Market were also showcasing black-owned businesses and their array of products.
For the live performances, we had the Sensational Dance Troupe deliver a noteworthy performance all the way into town. Other acts such as Marcus Joseph, Deloris, Deh Gee Starz and our very own Samantha Harris kept us entertained by their stellar performances in the Main Hall. Once the evening was over, Lions Den Sound Arena took over and presented us with the ‘Carnival Roots Special’ which lasted until the early hours of the morning.
The success of ‘Carnival Vibes at the ACC’ is a testament to the dedication and hard work from all the volunteers at the the African Heritage Alliance and the black community of Leicester who wanted to mark carnival day together to celebrate, have fun and make memories.
In the same vein, with Black History Month approaching, we encourage everyone to join us for our BHM events coming up which include a comedy night, Bob Marley Night of Inspiration and a Big Discussion on race and identity.
This was ‘Carnival Vibes at the ACC 2024’.
See you next year!
"Carnival Vibes at the ACC"