Burton Caribbean Carnival: Dancing through the streets of Burton.
Burton's streets exploded with colour and music as the annual Caribbean Carnival parade brought vibrant culture to the town centre. The free community event featured a lively procession and a family festival, celebrating the town's diverse community and heritage.
By Tom Drysdale
Burton was taken over on August 9th by the second annual Burton Caribbean Carnival, as hundreds of people lined the streets for a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture. The procession, a whirlwind of colour and sound, began at the Burton Caribbean Association (BCA) building on Uxbridge Street. It wove its way through the town centre, passing the train station and town hall before culminating at the Shobnall Leisure Complex, where the festivities continued with live music, dancing, and a feast of food and drink.
The parade, expertly managed by a dedicated team of volunteers, was a spectacle of joyous movement. A dynamic dance troupe followed DJ Reece Duncan, who filled the air with an energetic mix of reggae, afrobeat, and drum n' bass. Onlookers, gathered along the route, soaked up the atmosphere as the carnival brought the celebration directly to their doorstep.
Upon arrival at Shobnall, the carnival atmosphere intensified. Among those enjoying the day were Mayor Kim Smith and Burton and Uttoxeter MP Jacob Collier, both of whom expressed their delight at the event's success.
With free entry for everyone, the complex was a hive of activity. Attendees could explore a variety of stalls, from the flavours of Summerhouse Cafe to Datties Soul Food. Community organisations like SARAC and Staffordshire Police were also present, engaging with the public and explaining their work. The carnival provided something for all ages, with entertainment ranging from inflatables and magic shows to family-friendly competitions like limbo dancing and egg-and-spoon races. Children enjoyed singing contests, while a diverse array of activities ensured that there truly was something for everyone.
“We believe the day went very well. Better than expected, although we were prepared for most things!”
The 2025 Burton Caribbean Carnival was made possible by the generous backing of local organisations and businesses. Support came from a wide range of partners, including Pirelli, Asda, Reflex, Ischebeck Titan, Willshee’s, A.S. Taylor Transport Ltd, BeeBlessed, Aivy Party, SARAC, Discover East Staffordshire, East Staffordshire Borough Council, Burton Parish Council, Shobnall Parish Council, and Anglesey Parish Council. Their vital contributions ensured the carnival could return, once again bringing colour, music, and community spirit to Burton.
At the heart of the celebration were the organisers, the Burton Caribbean Association (BCA). For more than 40 years, the BCA has served as a cornerstone of the Burton community, not only through the carnival but also through its community centre. The centre offers a wide range of services, including youth activities, job clubs, meals for older residents, training opportunities, and cultural events. The BCA has many more events planned for the coming months, with a full list available on their website.
Have a positive community story to share? Email Tom Drysdale at tom.drysdale@burtonecho.co.uk, and we’ll do our best to bring it to life!
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