This weekend, Manchester’s Alexandra Park (Whalley Range, M16 7JL) transforms into the pulsating heart of Caribbean festivity. The Manchester Caribbean Carnival runs Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August 2025, from 12 pm to 8 pm each day – and best of all, admission is free.
A Historic Celebration of Culture
Since 1971, the carnival has served as a cornerstone of community heritage in Moss Side, originally built around a decades-old tradition celebrating the Caribbean diaspora. Over the years, Alexandra Park has become the festival’s beloved home, the “cultural heart” of Manchester Carnival for more than 50 years.
What’s on the Programme?
- J’ouvert & Parade: A vibrant J’ouvert (the dawn-breaking party) kicks off Saturday with colour, music, DJs, and infectious energy culminating in a dazzling parade.
- Live Stages All Weekend: Expect huge sound systems, local and international acts across multiple stages bringing Caribbean beats, from soca and reggae to soul and underground house.
- Traders & Tastes: A riot of Caribbean flavours awaits, from Trinidadian roti to Guyanese pepper pot, alongside stalls offering crafts, island fashion, and carnival-style adornments.
A Festival That Resonates
In 2024, over 58,000 people flocked to Alexandra Park to dance, celebrate, and honour community roots. That incredible turnout promises even grander festivities this year, with many marking their calendars for this weekend, August 9th and 10th 2025.
Insider Suggestions
- Arrive early on Saturday for J’ouvert’s high-energy opener.
- Bring essentials like water, sunscreen, and comfy footwear to cruise between stages.
- Taste and explore Caribbean cuisine here is more than food; it’s culture on the plate.
- Capture the colours to make it a weekend memory with standout photos.
