Got an old photo from Leicester Caribbean Carnival tucked away in your camera roll? Or a favourite memory from years gone by? Highcross wants to hear from you.
The city centre shopping destination is putting together a brand-new outdoor exhibition celebrating more than 40 years of Leicester Caribbean Carnival — and local people are being invited to help tell the story.
Launching on July 14 as part of Highcross’s free Carnival Summer programme, the pop-up exhibition will showcase archive photographs, costumes, memorabilia and community stories charting the evolution of one of Leicester’s most colourful cultural events.
And there’s a chance for your own memories to feature.
Shoppers can submit photographs, videos or written recollections from carnivals past and present, with selected entries displayed in a dedicated community section of the exhibition.
To get involved, share your memories by tagging @Highcross on social media, emailing marketing@highcrossleicester.com or posting with the hashtag #HighcrossCarnivalMemories.
The exhibition will take over East Square, near Luke1977 and Foot Locker, from July 14 to 31, transforming part of the shopping centre into a celebration of Caribbean culture, music and history.
But that’s only part of the programme.
What else is happening?
Ahead of Leicester Caribbean Carnival on August 1, Highcross is hosting a series of free events designed to get the city in the carnival mood.
Soca Fit Sessions July 8–15, 6.15pm-7pm
Think high-energy dance workouts set to infectious Caribbean beats. These fitness classes blend movement, music and carnival spirit.
Carnival Summer Exhibition July 14–31
Explore four decades of carnival history through photographs, costumes, memorabilia and stories from the community.
Carnival Costume Workshops July 18 and July 25, noon-2pm
Learn from one of Leicester’s carnival dance troupes and create your own carnival-inspired costume.
Sound System Nights July 18 and July 25, 6pm-10pm
Expect Caribbean music, big vibes and a summer party atmosphere at Grammar School Court outside Turtle Bay, with renowned sound systems Passion and Viking Sound providing the soundtrack. Turtle Bay’s outdoor Tiki Bar will also be serving drinks throughout the evening.
Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross Leicester, said the programme was designed to build excitement ahead of this summer’s carnival celebrations.
She said: “Leicester’s Caribbean Carnival is such an iconic part of our city’s identity, and we wanted to give shoppers a flavour of the Caribbean and an opportunity to get into the carnival spirit before the main event.
“This Carnival Summer line-up brings together a fantastic mix of free activities, from exploring the event’s rich history to creating costumes and enjoying the music and atmosphere.”
Tara Munroe, Creative Director of Opal22 Arts & Edutainment, which organises Leicester Caribbean Carnival, described the partnership as a new way of bringing carnival culture to wider audiences.
She said: “Carnival is about more than a single day of celebration. It’s about heritage, identity, creativity and community. Bringing it into the heart of the city centre allows us to share those stories with even more people.”
Advance booking for selected events is recommended via the Highcross website. For more information, visit highcrossleicester.com.
