Hundreds of people gathered at Cardiff Bay on Sunday for the colourful Butetown Carnival, an annual celebration of the area's multicultural heritage. Despite wet and stormy bank holiday weather, spirits remained high as attendees wore vibrant outfits, carried giant puppets and waved ribbons through the streets.
Parade route and theme
The parade began at midday from the Butetown Health Centre on Bute Road, dancing through Butetown before culminating at the Wales Millennium Centre. Celebrations were set to continue throughout the day across the Senedd steps, the Pierhead Building and the waterfront.
This year's parade theme was Heritage in Motion. Organisers said: "Expect vibrant costumes, giant puppets, powerful rhythms, live music, dance and hundreds of performers filling the streets with colour, creativity and joy. This year’s theme, Heritage in Motion, celebrates the people, cultures and stories that have shaped Butetown for generations."
Community history
Butetown and Tiger Bay, now Cardiff Bay, were among the UK's first multicultural communities, with people from more than 50 countries settling there in the early 20th century, often to work in the docks and related industries.
Stages at the bay featured live acts performing all day on Sunday and Monday until 9pm, alongside organised events, rides and food. The carnival continues to honour the area's shared past while celebrating the creativity, resilience and diversity that define Butetown today.
