Organisers think the event has the "potential to become a highlight of the city's cultural calendar" Hundreds are expected to gather in Liverpool’s Newsham Park as a carnival celebrating African culture “brings the community together”. The event will feature a diverse range of activities and entertainment including live music, cultural displays, a fashion show, art installations and workshops. Food vendors offering international cuisine and traditional carnival fare will also flood the Victorian public park.
The carnival is an expansion of events, Pacesetters, have been organising in the Kensington area of Liverpool to promote African Culture to the wider community. The Liverpool CIC has been helping promote small businesses in this way since it was formed in 2018. Organiser Titilayo Odunaiya told the ECHO : "It's a way of bringing our community together; We know our African culture is beautiful and we want to share that experience with everyone wherever you are from.
Come and enjoy the beauty of our culture with us. “You can expect to see different dancers, singers, entertainers on the day and a variety of food and drinks. Whether it's the Afro-Arts, tasting new cuisines, hearing new music or viewing never-seen-before fabrics, the Liverpool public will be enthralled.
” The carnival will take place on Saturday, August 17 at Newsham Park. It will start at 10 am and last until 7 pm with the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Richard Kemp officially opening the event. Titilayo said: "Hosting a carnival in Newsham Park presents a unique opportunity to bring our community together in celebration of our cultural richness and diversity.
By providing a platform for fun, entertainment, and engagement, this event has the potential to become a highlight of the city's cultural calendar, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among residents while attracting visitors from near and far.” Performances on the day are coming from the likes of The Cultural Troupe and South African Dancers, Liverpool Benin Dancers and the Osun Art Group. Fashion designer Tayameaca Hughes said: "I'm excited about the carnival as it allows me to create costumes that highlight rich Afro culture.
My previous collections at Pacesetters events were well received. I encourage the whole community to join in and celebrate Afro culture by bringing their own costumes and interpretations"..
