Mansfield Carnival promises a full day of free family fun with live music, activities, crafts, food, face-painting, walkabout entertainers, a Caribbean-themed market — and a carnival parade.

The inaugural event will include a celebration of Caribbean music, culture, and local links with the Windrush generation.
Mansfield District Council Cultural Services, which is hosting the carnival, is urging people to get involved in many ways — such as joining the parade or lining its route.

It will take place on Saturday, 17th June in and around Mansfield Market Place, from 10am to 3pm.

Entertainment will be provided on a stage throughout the day, with confirmed acts including Mansfield Rock Choir, Punjabi Roots, Phantasy steel band, and emerging artists.

Visitors will have the chance to take part in drumming with Beat Feet and belly dancing with Janet Rose.

Inspiration for carnival costumes has been taken from the feather-shaped sculpture on West Gate.

Museum development officer Kirsty Sanders said: “A-spire for Mansfield was designed and erected in 2007 as a homage to the area’s coal miners, and the canaries taken underground by them.

“It seems fitting that the carnival parade route will pass ‘the feather’ as it has formed part of the inspiration behind the costumes and dances for the day. Both will gently sway, reflect the light, and mimic the movement of surrounding trees.”

Free family dance classes are being held for anyone wanting to be part of the parade at Mansfield Palace Theatre on Tuesdays, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, or Ladybrook Community Centre, Mansfield, on Thursdays, from 7pm to 8.15pm.

For more information or to sign up, contact Maria Slack on [email protected] or 07367 304154.

Maria said: “If you enjoy dancing, our carnival dance classes are for you! You will learn some cool moves, loosen up your body and workout to the latest soca, RnB, Afrobeats remix and many more music types with positive vibes.

“You will develop your fitness, raise your performance ability and further your knowledge across a variety of dance genres, all helping you to gain confidence, gain a solid foundation across a range of commercial styles from urban street to commercial dance. Fun, high-energy choreography routines will be taught step by step until you’re ready for the road and time2show your amazing colourful carnival costumes.”

People are also being urged to volunteer to be a marshal for the day, line the parade route, and act as an information point for visitors. Marshals will be given a free T-shirt to wear on the day.

Local groups such as Brownies, Scouts, football clubs, and cheerleaders are asked to line the parade route and make some noise as the performers pass on the day.

Limited stalls are still available on the Caribbean-themed market.

Mansfield Carnival has been made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation programme.

For more information contact Kirsty Sanderson 01623 463088 or [email protected]