Carnival of the World 2016

Carnival of the World is a celebration of cultural diversity through music and arts workshops, business training and performances.

The project combines creative learning with business skills development. With music, costumes, flags and performances representing Asia, Africa, South America, Europe and the Caribbean at spectacular Carnival parades in Reading and at London’s Notting Hill Carnival.

The Reading event features a live stage with performances from Indian drummers The Professors of DholThe Caribbean Serenaders, a traditional Jamaican style vocal group, Hare KrishnaBhangrasize dancers, DeeVine from AJs Calypso Tent, recording artist Jamah ‘Childish’ Lynam, award winning soca artists Sunshine and Nadiva with the MLM DancersMangrove Mas and RASPO Steel Orchestra.

The parade features original carnival costume made at summer workshops with couture carnival designer Melissa Simon-Hartman, and giant batik flags created with internationally renowned Kinetika. Music workshops take place with composer and jazz saxophonist Jason Yarde.

RASPO Steel Orchestra perform at CultureMix Carnival of the World 2016
RASPO Steel Orchestra perform at CultureMix Carnival of the World 2016 – image by Dave Cole

Carnival of the World is a CultureMix event for Reading 2016 Year of Culture in partnership with Reading Refocus, supported using public funding by Arts Council England, Reading Business Improvement District as part of the ARENA town centre free arts and culture programme, and Reading Borough Council through The Cultural Partnership.