The Manchester Caribbean Carnival returns this weekend, with thousands expected to attend the two-day celebration in Moss Side. The event, now in its 54th year, takes place at Alexandra Park in Whalley Range on Saturday and Sunday (August 8 and 9). Around 60,000 people are expected across the two days.
Parade and festivities
The carnival's huge parade is one of the main highlights and will feature hundreds of performers. The weekend also includes live entertainment, food stalls, pageants, and funfairs. Over 1,600 vendors, performers, and community participants are involved, providing a boost for local businesses.
Celebrations begin on Saturday morning with the J'Ouvert Morning Procession, leading into the Manchester Carnival Parade. Mas bands, including We R 1, Claremont Exclusive, United Movement, Yin Yang, Skate with Joy, Lipa & Lemon Twist, Level Up, Jet Black, and more, will perform. Live performances come from Resonance Steel Orchestra and Pantonic Steel Band.
Road closures
Temporary road closures and traffic management will be in place throughout the weekend to ensure safety. The following closures apply:
J'Ouvert road closures on Saturday 8 August, 7am to 9am: rolling closures on Moss Lane East (Princess Road to Upper Lloyd Street), Upper Lloyd Street (Moss Lane East to Great Western Street), Great Western Street (Upper Lloyd Street to Quinney Crescent), Quinney Crescent (Great Western Street to Alexandra Road), and Alexandra Road (Quinney Crescent to Claremont Road).
Parade set-up and dispersal on Saturday 8 August, 6am to 4pm: full closure on Claremont Road (Quinney Crescent to Alexandra Road).
Carnival parade road closures on Saturday 8 August, 11.30am to 2.30pm: rolling closures as the parade moves. From 11.30am to 12.50pm: Yarburgh Street (Alexandra Road to Withington Road) and Withington Road (Yarburgh Street to Moss Lane West). From 12.15pm to 1.10pm: Moss Lane West (Withington Road to Moss Lane East) and Moss Lane East (Moss Lane West to Princess Road). From 12.40pm to 1.35pm: Moss Lane East (Princess Road to Upper Lloyd Street), Upper Lloyd Street (Moss Lane East to Claremont Road), and Claremont Road (Upper Lloyd Street to Quinney Crescent).
Event exit road closures on Saturday and Sunday, 6pm to 8pm: closure on Claremont Road (Princess Road to Quinney Crescent). During this time, there will be no access to Claremont Road from Princess Road.
Organisers advise allowing extra time for journeys, especially on Saturday when the parade takes place.
