This year’s Manchester Caribbean Carnival will be held virtually in an ‘unmissable live online celebration’.

Due to safety concerns amidst the pandemic, the annual festivities will be held virtually with a mix of live and pre-recorded performances to celebrate the culture and heritage of the Caribbean people.

The virtual events will be held on August 8 and 9, led by Carnival organisers Manchester Carnival Together Consortium (MCTC) in partnership with the Manchester City Council.

This year’s event will focus on honouring the legacy of the carnival with performances from headline acts such as I-octane, dance hall king Stylo G, soca queen Patrice Roberts and many more.

Julie Burke, carnival lead for the MCTC, said: “As a new team we are excited to be delivering what will be an amazing and vibrant Manchester Caribbean Carnival with new invigorated flair.

“We treasure the carnival and its heritage and it was unthinkable that we would not have carnival this year.

“We want people to enjoy the carnival safely and watch online as the entertainment we have in store will be a true celebration of the essence of carnival, taking the online experience of Manchester Carnival to the next level.”

The Manchester Caribbean Carnival has taken place for almost 50 years

The weekend entertainment will also include, a youth stage, DJ sets, vibrant dances, steel band displays, food demonstrations, community talks and, most importantly, the island sounds of soca, reggae and calypso.

Akeim Mundell BEM MCTC Creative lead, said: “We may not be celebrating the wonderful culture of carnival in the heart of our community this year but the MCTC team and I have put together a great showcase of amazing talent, culture and heritage that will not disappoint.

“There is a host of exciting performances and cultural pieces for all to enjoy over the online carnival weekend that our community will be proud of."

Luthfur Rahman, Manchester Council's executive member for culture, skills and leisure, said: “It is wonderful to see so many different ways people can get involved in this year's carnival, all while staying safe at home.

“It would have been wonderful to see the streets lined with all the flair and carnival celebration the annual event brings.

“Unfortunately we have known for a while in advance that this would not be possible. That is why I am confident that this year’s online carnival will not leave anyone wanting or feeling too disappointed.

“The amount of time and effort organisers have put into it guarantees that it will be a brilliant day for all.”

For more information visit the Manchester Carnival’s website, where the full line up has yet to be announced.