BARCO launches Brighton BASH Carnival celebrating black culture

The Brighton BASH Carnival, a community celebration of black culture in Brighton & Hove, is coming to St Ann’s Well Gardens.

Brought to you by BARCO (Black Anti-Racism Community Organisation), the event will take place on Saturday 27th July 2024,  11am to 7pm. The carnival represents an intentional statement that all are welcome in Brighton and Hove aligning with Brighton and Hove City Council’s vision for an anti-racist city. In its 3 previous years, the carnival has emerged as Brighton’s most family-friendly, diverse and inclusive event.

BARCO provides opportunities for Brighton’s Black communities and their allies to join together, making space for joy as a tonic to challenge racism and oppression in our city. ‘BASH’ is an acronym for ‘Building Alliance, Solidarity & Hope’, and this event promises to bring people together for a day filled with music, dance, food and celebration.

The Brighton BASH Carnival will honour and amplify the voices, traditions and contributions of Black communities. A key feature will be the parade held within the boundaries of the park – this year’s theme is flags and masks.

Bud Johnston, founder of BARCO, said: “Brighton deserves a carnival and parade that celebrates more. Forget being tolerable and performative, the Brighton BASH Carnival is an intentional statement that all are welcome here. We need as many supporters as possible to make this a reality.”

BARCO’s Brighton BASH Carnival is free to attend and open to all members of the community. For more information and updates, please visit their website or follow BARCO Brighton on social media.

Local organisations supporting this event include Brighton & Hove City Council, Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, Brighton Fringe, Friends of St Ann’s Well and Sussex Police, as well as many other organisations such as The Actor’s, Afrori Books, Audio Active, A Seat At The Table, BIMM, Black Tri Tribe, BMEYPP, BN1 Arts, Boxless LTD, Brighton Book Festival, ICTheatre, Men Of Melanin, Rivervale, Waterbear, and Women of Colour Brighton.

Contact: info@brighton-barco.org