Carnival Parade
01 Jou'vert
The early, messy, morning parade that kickstarts the weekend's Carnival.
02 King & Queen
A showcase of extravagant traditional Carnival costumes and Caribbean artistry.
03 Main parade
An explosion of colour and sound that gets the party started through the streets of Hulme and Moss Side.
The carnival kicks off with Family Day, filled with fun activities for all ages. Early birds can indulge in the vibrant and exhilarating J’ouvert at 7 am, setting the tone for a day filled with energy and excitement. The main parade, featuring captivating dance troupes, takes place from midday, making its way through the streets before returning to the park at 2pm to showcase the creative costumes made in community workshops prior to the event. The parade is an array of music, colour, and dance and all are welcome to join the procession that begins its eclectic journey from the park.
We’ll ensure a blaze of colour is waiting for you and ready to dance at the carnival’s cultural home of Alexandra Park. Registration for this 2026 is now closed but will open early in 2027. Contact us for more information.
Manchester Carnival | 8th & 9th August 2026
Jou'vert
The J’vouert parade kickstarts the weekend with the most creative of messes!!!! From 7am the streets are filled with revellers for the ‘Morning Jam” – think powder, water, colour, flags and vybz!! Time to get messy!!!!
King & Queen
The King and Queen Show is a showcase of intricate costumes. Each "King" and "Queen" performs a routine with the most majestic displays becoming the official ambassadors for festivities.
Main Parade
The Main Parade is an explosion of colour, rhythm, and pride featuring masquerade troupes, floats, and sound systems that wind their way through Moss Side into Alexandra Park for the main event.

