The University of Bristol has struck a major partnership with St Pauls Carnival ahead of its 50th anniversary tomorrow.
The university’s support includes headline sponsorship of two stages – the main Windrush Stage outside St Pauls Learning Centre and the World Carnival Stage in Portland Square. 
It will also cover the costs of stalls for five local groups and young enterprises at Carnival, including Sammy’s Lunchtime pop-up club – a local elders group which meets weekly to reminisce, share stories, cook food and play dominoes – and The Lion of Judah, led by respected Rastafarian leader Ras B, who will be selling cultural merchandise and promoting the Rastafarian way of life.
Young fashion entrepreneur Amari Cole and Adrian Stone, who featured on a BBC programme to trace his roots and set up a business to help others do the same, have also received funding from the university to have a presence at Carnival.
University staff will help Tenaya’s cake stall at the Malcolm X Community Centre and support its ambition to be registered as a food trader for 2019.
And university procurement manager and BAME staff advisory group chair Rebecca Scott has been invited to be one of three judges of the Carnival’s opening procession, in which 12 schools will perform.
The university said the partnership reflected its aim to encourage links with Bristol’s BAME communities and to promote long-term success and sustainability of emerging entrepreneurs.
St Pauls Carnival CIC chair Marti Burgess said: “We’re pleased to be working with the university team; their support is invaluable to ensure the future legacy of the Carnival as a free family event for everyone to enjoy for years to come.
“It’s great to see the University of Bristol getting more involved in this event. Long-established institutions need to ensure they are relevant to the black community. Building visible relationships with St Pauls Carnival like this is vital to encourage homegrown black young people to view the University of Bristol as a place to aspire to go.” 
University pro-vice chancellor for research and enterprise Prof Nishan Canagarajah, pictured, who also chairs its equality, diversity and inclusion steering group, said: “The theme for this year’s event is unity, which very much reflects the university’s current outlook, and where better to strengthen existing partnerships, form new relationships and celebrate our city’s diverse and rich culture than the famous St Pauls Carnival.
“Saturday promises to be a fantastic day. We’re particularly looking forward to joining Lord Mayor of Bristol Cleo Lake and Deputy Mayor Asher Craig in judging the parade.
“On behalf of the University, I cannot wait to be part of the event and hope everyone attending has a brilliant time.”
The first St Pauls Carnival took place in 1968 – 20 years after the arrival of the first wave of people from the Caribbean on the SS Great Windrush.
Originally called St Pauls Festival, it was a celebration of cultural diversity that was founded by seven community activists who were part of the Bristol Bus Boycott. From its humble beginnings it has evolved to become one of Europe’s top street-based spectacles of African Caribbean culture.
Today it is run by St Pauls Carnival (Bristol) Community Interest Company, which was set up to ensure a sustainable future for the event, which is expected to welcome 100,000 people to mark its 50th anniversary this Saturday.
The Procession has three categories: Best Dance, Best Costume and Best Interpretation of the Carnival Theme ‘Unity’.
