About Brighton Carnival
The Brighton Carnival Association (BCA) is run by people of the City, for people of the City. The Directors of the BCA are all unpaid volunteers. We raise money, create partnerships and call in favours to put on fabulous, outdoor parading events.
We also want to help more people understand the history and values of Carnival as a worldwide movement. For us, it is about giving local and national artists a platform for their talents, and giving the people of Brighton & Hove the chance to dance and celebrate in the streets.
We welcome new members all the time. As a member, you receive updates, invitations to events and a vote at our Annual General Meeting. Membership is FREE. To join please contact us.
Brighton Carnival History
Carnival in Brighton has a long history. The first ‘Brighton Carnival’ was in 1922. Since then the city has become famous for its parades: from the Children’s Parade in May, Burning of the Clocks on the Winter Solstice and the world-famous Pride in summer. Brighton Carnival adds to this programme of parades and is recognised for its community participation, high artistic quality, masquerade performances and live music.
Brighton Carnival is committed to the development of carnival arts and education throughout the city and beyond. Each year BCA raises money to support local community groups, artists, secondary schools and employees of businesses to learn the skills to make a spectacular entry – also called a ‘Carnival Band’ – for the parade.
The idea of the parade is to gather on the streets and have one big, loud and exciting day in celebration of everyone who makes up Brighton & Hove.
Local artists and community leaders are trained by internationally renowned carnival artists to support the participants to turn the ideas into a grand artistic reality. Working the 3 carnival elements of masquerade, music and dance together, the groups hit the city streets with a fantastic display that brings energy, colour and new meaning to their surroundings. See the Carnival Bands who have made Brighton Carnival the beautiful parade that it is since 2007 .
The process of research, design and making that leads up to parade day is a period of time shared in a way that makes people want to take part year after year. Groups of people work together to discuss ideas, learn new skills such as costume making, samba and dance and then (after some late night sessions of sewing and getting excited) take to the streets to celebrate their journey and achievements.
Carnival transforms people and their streets on parade day – cars make way for pedestrians, walking turns to dancing, strangers become friends and the air fills with music and voices. On that one day, everyone forgets their worries and comes together in an age-old celebration with dance, costume, music and food. Where would we be without such festivities!
TO KEEP BRIGHTON CARNIVAL ON THE ROAD, PLEASE MAKE A DONATION
A low-carbon carnival
Central to the policies, plans and procedures of BCA is a commitment to the environment. A unique aspect of Brighton Carnival is that all vehicles on parade are fuelled by plant oil mixes, electric, solar and pedal power only. View the BCA Sustainability Policy.
Company History
Brighton Carnival Association has evolved from the Samba Encounters of the Brighton Festival held during 2003-05. In 2007, Brighton Carnival developed as an Association with a project team, a board of trustees and a membership base, becoming a registered Community Interest Company in 2008.
In 2007 the first July parade was held, with 400 on parade and ending at the beautiful Peace Picnic on Hove Lawns. In 2008, the route was changed to move from Middle Street to Madeira Drive and the parade reached over 600 participants with 15,000 coming to watch.
Staff and Board of Directors
The Board of Directors are:Daniel Bernstein (Acting Chair), Paul Jarvis (Treasurer), Clare Sheppeard (Company Secretary), Emily Hahn, Melanie Davis, John Varah, Rachel Hayward and Kate Laird.
Download the Brighton Carnival Association AGM Minutes 2011.
Getting involved and supporting the work of Brighton Carnival
Please contact us to find out more.
- Sustainability
Brighton Carnival Sustainability Policy - Carnival Bands and Groups
These are the groups who have made Brighton Carnival Parade look so amazing since 2007
