The Mancunian Way: Being Caribbean makes me tick

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Here's the Mancunian Way for today:

Today I’d like to concentrate on one of Manchester’s most anticipated events. Caribbean Carnival started on the streets of Moss Side in the early 1970s and has evolved to become a huge annual event.

I’ve been talking to a member of one of the city’s mas bands about the vast work involved in carnival preparation and why it’s so important to keep Caribbean heritage alive.

And we’ve got all the details you need if you’re planning to visit Alexandra Park for the festivities this weekend. Let's begin.

Manchester’s Caribbean Carnival has been a fixture in the city for decades. A highlight of the cultural calendar, it’s a chance for our Caribbean communities to celebrate the food, music and traditions of the islands.

But for those involved in the vibrant annual parade, it’s also a chance to continue a tradition started by their grandparents, back in 1972.

As Nikita Gill explains, the parade is vital to continue the legacy of the first Caribbean Mancunians. She’s part of the WeR1 mas band - short for masquerade. Each year, Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses from various mas bands compete to decide who will lead the parade, with WeR1 winning the honour for 2023.

“It's a major part of the celebration,” says Nikita. “They form the heart of the mas band. The King and Queen's costumes are the most elaborate. They’re handmade and so large they can be seen coming from a distance, and they represent the band's theme - which this year is Lion Kingdom.”

When looking at the costumes, judges consider