Over 400 performers of all ages in fabulous costumes, colour, dance, community and the rhythms of Trinidad came together in a celebration of carnival.
Big, colourful costumes inspired by the 11 Caribbean islands were on parade at Birmingham’s iconic Bullring and Grand Central as It’s Carnival took over the centre in a celebration of carnival on 6 August.
ACE dance and music’s professional company along with their mini and youth companies joined with DJ G-Zee, Jamaal Burkmar and Black Voices and the community choir in 2 indoor performances as well as on the streets.
The NBA partnership commissioned festival anthem, We Rise, composed by Ken Burton, were performed by the Mighty Jamma Steel Pan and Ebony Steel Pan who brought the sounds of Trinidad and Tobago to Birmingham. Spectacular costumes created by Clary Salandy (Mahogany Arts) inspired by the 11 Caribbean islands and countries competing at the Games by wowing at It’s Carnival.
Presented by Bullring & Grand Central, co-produced by ACE dance and music and Birmingham Hippodrome. A part of Birmingham 2022 Festival and the North Birmingham Alliance (NBA) Route 34: Embracing Cultures.
The North Birmingham Alliance comprises of four of Birmingham’s leading African Diaspora arts organisations: ACE dance & music led by Ian Parmel, Black Voices led by Carol Pemberton, Black Arts Forum led by Pauline Bailey, and the Legacy Centre of Excellence led by Keith Shayaam-Smith. By pooling their expertise, networks and resources, the NBA have come together to create a sustainable framework to raise quality and access to the arts and participation for communities in North Birmingham.
