The final preparations are taking place for Mansfield Carnival, which will take place in and around Mansfield Market Place on Saturday, 17th June.

The town crier’s bell will ring at 10am to signal the start of a free fun-filled day for all the family, celebrating the Windrush generation and all they have contributed to Great Britain in the last 75 years.

From rap to reggae with a bit of rock thrown in, all music tastes will be covered on a stage show throughout the day. The opening act will be Soul Funk Junkies, a seven-piece covers band, followed by KE Dance Troupe showcasing street dance performance style.

As well as a 40 strong Rock Choir and up and coming young rappers, Jaya and Omari, listen out for the sounds of Pantasy steel drum band, which specialises in laid back, traditional Caribbean music, as well as their steel pan arrangements of well-known songs by artists such as Bob Marley and UB40.

Mighten Music – led by Alex Mighten – will have you joining in during their slot at the event with participatory music and improv.

The Mansfield Carnival stage show will close with a spectacular drumming finale using dhol drums, which are double-sided barrel drums to allow movement whilst making music.

As well as the action in the Market Place, local and regional troupes will be forming a Carnival parade that leaves Mansfield Museum at 12 noon for a mile-long route around the outskirts of the town centre and ring-road, before ending with a performance on stage in the Market Place to show off their amazing costumes.

The activity arena will provide a chance to take part in drumming workshops with Beat Feet, and belly dancing with Janet Rose. Also look out for stilt walkers entertaining in the Market Place.

There will be Caribbean- themed food, refreshments, clothing and gifts available from specialist stalls on Mansfield Market all day, alongside all the usual stalls you’d expect to find on a Saturday which are unaffected by the event.

Portfolio holder for Regeneration and Growth Coun Stuart Richardson saids: “This fantastic event has been made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) programme, which we successfully secured late last year.

“Mansfield Carnival is an excellent example of partnership working between organisations, sharing knowledge and expertise to make this carnival one to remember. It has been fabulous to see everyone striving to make this event a success, all with the shared goal of celebrating history and heritage in Mansfield and creating pride amongst all our communities.

“There really is something for everyone at this event, including the fabulous food offerings and the variety of stalls in the Market Place. I look forward to seeing Mansfield’s town centre painted with colourful costumes, music and energy.”

Cultural Services manager Sian Booth added: “This event is only the beginning in terms of celebrating the Windrush generation’s legacy to Mansfield and surrounding areas. Our It Runs Through Us exhibition remains open until November in Mansfield Museum and there will be lots more opportunities to get involved with what we have planned next – watch this space…”