Organised by Harrogate International Festivals, Carnival in Harrogate is back this weekend featuring a parade through the town centre.
Everything you need to know ahead of Harrogate's Carnival this weekend The highly-anticipated Carnival will return to the streets of Harrogate this weekend, organised by Harrogate International Festivals. The event was first staged in 2019 and features a street parade, celebrating the diversity, colours, costumes and sounds from all four quarters of the world. The Carnival parade will kick off at 11am on Sunday (30th July) before heading to Valley Gardens with global music and dances stages, themed food zones, art and craft workshops and street theatre. A spokesperson for Harrogate International Festivals said:
"Carnival is a fun day for all and we hope to see you there, from baby in the pram to grand’ma and grand’pa, be a part of something truly special this summer. "Think Rio in Rhododendrons, parade in the petunias, sounds in the sun colonnades, food in the flora and dancing in the dahlias, and you will begin to get a taste of what the day holds in store."[caption id="attachment_72395" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Harrogate's Carnival parade map.[/caption] Who will be performing? Global Music Stage Afriquoi will be performing on the Global Music Stage - an underground sensation who will bring an uplifting fusion of African music and live electronics. Latin party and Zumba sensation Fernando Brazil will bring a salsa session to the Music stage, whilst the long-running Leeds West Indian Carnival will bring jaw-dropping costumes and infectious rhythms to celebrate Caribbean culture. [caption id="attachment_72396" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The Leeds West Indian Carnival.[/caption] Ubunye will be on hand to deliver a soulful performance of original pieces cleverly fused with South African songs, and Harrogate club scene veteran DJ Trev will also feature. And new to this year's Harrogate Carnival, Bradford-based dance company Punjabi Roots will bring an Indian flavour to pop classics. Global Dance Stage Annapurna Indian Dance will explore the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Indian dance performances over on the Global Dance Stage. The Houriat Belly Dancing troupe will perform bellydance and traditional middle eastern dance, whilst Anonymas Dance will also be on hand to get the crowd moving. St Aelred’s Irish Dance Group complete the Global Dance Stage lineup. [caption id="attachment_72398" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Keep an eye out for Anonymas Dance at Valley Gardens.[/caption] Street Theatre Close Act and the Bread and Butter Theatre Company will be among the street theatre performers interacting with crowds. The famous Chinese Dragon Dancers from previous Carnivals will return, whilst Lobster a la cart is sure to turn a few heads with its giant inflatable lobster. [caption id="attachment_72400" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The Bread and Butter Theatre Company will be appearing at Harrogate Carnival.[/caption] Tom Tricks - the world record holder for the Largest Balloon Costume - will be keeping the kids entertained, whilst the Handmade Parade will bring alongside to their eye catching costumes during the parade. Workshops Ceramic Sculptor Gaby Naptali Arts will be hosting a workshop, drawing on nature as a constant and never-ending source of inspiration. There will also be Pentagon Arts with Scott Walker - a stunning freestanding installation that is just begging for some colour. Children and adults alike are invited to join in with this exciting artistic adventure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeqvyVnwVoI&t=3s Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.