The organisers of Preston Caribbean Carnival have moved to quash rumours that this year’s event would be cancelled.

The Carnival will go ahead on Sunday (29 May) as planned, starting with a procession of large costumes, music and dance from local and visiting troupes. Setting off at around 12 noon from Moor Park Avenue, it will proceed down Deepdale Road, Meadow Street, St Paul’s Road, Sedgewick Street, North Road and Garstang Road back to the park.

Several false news items had reported that the event had been cancelled following the former Preston nightclub fire, but organisers confirmed this was incorrect and related to a promotional event planned for Saturday 21 May.

Working with the Preston City Council events team, organisers decided not to go ahead with the Flag Market activity because roads remained closed over the weekend and concerns of smoke in the atmosphere reported as the building still smouldered.

Following two years of Covid restrictions and expected good weather for the weekend, it is anticipated that the event will attract visitors from across Lancashire and beyond.

A spokesperson for the organisers said: “2022 will be the 48th Caribbean Carnival in Preston and plans include a vibrant, colourful procession through the city streets followed by a Caribbean-themed family fun day on Moor Park.

“This Preston Caribbean Carnival is the biggest party Preston will see in 2022, with 15,000 visitors expected to join in the fun.

“Celebrating the flamboyant, creative Caribbean culture within our city, it is a great day out for all the family.”

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The park event will include live performances from Caribbean Latin band July Julay, Levi Tafari, local One Voice Community Choir, UK Soca artist – Soca Johnny, Abelwell, Kasai Masai along with others.

There will be Caribbean and other food stalls, a bar facility and lots of children’s activities, including creative making sessions, rides and inflatables.

The weekend of festivities starts with One Park – Living Legends on Saturday 28 May, with international Reggae superstar Luciano the Messenjah, singer/songwriter from Jamaica.

Read more: Moor Park to host huge show for Preston Caribbean Carnival

Saturday is a ticket only event with tickets available on Skiddle.

For more information or to take a look at the amazing costumes from previous years, visit the Preston Caribbean Carnival website.

There will be a request to the public to make a small donation at the park entrance on carnival day.

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