Next year’s Preston Carnival will be a special one as it marks the iconic event’s 50th anniversary.

Set to take place on the bank holiday weekend of Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May, the event will once again recognise the Caribbean community in Preston.

A family-friendly celebration of cultural heritage, Carnival adds solidarity through dance, music and costume.

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A curtain raiser to the 50th anniversary will take place the week prior to Carnival, with a city centre fashion show highlighting the spectacular costumes made for the event over the last 50 years.

The birthday celebrations will start with Friday‘s showcase featuring international DJs and personal appearances. On Saturday, the One Park musical event will feature the best in reggae music, and a bespoke Caribbean village will be available to visit.

Sunday will see Carnival Day marked with an extended street procession and park event.

A spokesperson for Preston Carnival said: “We hope people will join us at the parade as we say thank you and honour our elders who gave the gift of Carnival to Preston.

“Then on to the park to party with us like it’s 1974. With steel band, live performances, sound systems, great food and drink, stalls and activities for the family.”

Preston Carnival is the largest independent event in Preston and in 2024 expects to see over 40,000 visitors across the weekend.

To commemorate the special occasion, there will be a raffle draw on Carnival Day with the grand prize of a Caribbean cruise for two. Tickets are on sale on the Preston Carnival website.

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