Manchester Caribbean Carnival postponed until 2021

Statement issued by Manchester Carnival Together Consortium (MCTC), supported by Manchester City Council:

"It is with deep regret that we announce that the Manchester Caribbean Carnival 2020 will not take place this year. With the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic it is clear that postponing the event is now unavoidable.

"This has been an extremely difficult decision. As a newly appointed organisation now leading on the Manchester Caribbean Carnival, the Manchester Carnival Together Consortium were keen to launch and deliver an amazing Carnival event this year.

"However in uncertain and unprecedented times the MCTC team with the support of Manchester City Council have come to the decision to postpone this year's event and we are now focussed on returning in August 2021 with a bigger and better Caribbean Carnival that the community can be proud of."

Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Skills, Culture & Leisure, said: "We know that many people will be disappointed by this announcement, but we have been working closely with the newly established carnival organisers to consider the best course of action during these unprecedented circumstances.

"Our priority will always be to provide the safest environment for people to participate in and enjoy this fantastic event, and we will continue to support MCTC to ensure that Carnival returns next year.

"It is likely that some people will want to mark Carnival weekend this year in their own way. If so, we would urge residents to continue to follow Government advice, practice proper social distancing and celebrate safely at home."