Every carnival worth its salt these days seems to be going global, and the north-eastern port city of Hull is no exception. On Sunday 3 September, the city takes to the streets for Hull International Carnival. It sets off at 2pm from King Edward Square and ends two hours later at Queen’s Garden.
But why ‘international’? Certainly, the inspiration for the carnival is drawn from around the world – the Caribbean, Africa and South America – but the main connection this year is with the Bahamas. Several artists from the group Junkanoo Commandos will be taking part in a workshop on Princess Quay on Saturday to work on a banner depicting the event’s theme ‘Sharing Cultural Traditions’ while telling participants about the Bahamian tradition of Junkanoo.
Hull Carnival Arts are offering their expertise to groups making simple costumes and floats with workshops on 23, 24 and 26 August (contact hullcarnivalarts(at)outlook.com); carnival sewing sessions are taking place on 12 and 18 August (call Queenett Scott on 01482 320507); dance classes will be happening on 11 and 25 August (email Siddi Majubah on maiubahsiddi(at)gmail.com); and there are additional creative sessions on 16 and 19 August.
Any groups that want to take part in Hull International Carnival on a voluntary basis should contact Pax Nindi, email: pnindi(at)yahoo.com, tel: 07810 874276.
