Manchester Caribbean Carnival: All you need to know

Thousands of people are expected to welcome the Manchester Caribbean Carnival this weekend.

The event, which was first held in 1972, will see two days of free events and activities in the Moss Side area of the city.

The carnival is a family-friendly celebration of Caribbean culture, food and music.

There will also be dancers, parades, costume displays and traders.

The carnival will be held in Alexandra Park on both Saturday and Sunday from 12:00-20:00 BST.

An early parade called J'ouvert will kick off through Moss Side at 07:00 until 09:00 on Saturday, with organisers promising music, horns, dancers and paint.

Starting on Moss Lane East, near the Moss Side Powerhouse, the crowd will head towards Upper Lloyd Street before continuing onto Great Western Street.

The crowd will then loop down Alexandra Road, moving into the residential streets around Quinney Crescent, before heading to the park

There is a full route map on the Manchester Carnival website.

The main parade will take place from 12:00 on Saturday, with dance troupes making their way through the streets before returning to the park at 14:00 where there will be a showcase of the handmade costumes featured in the parade.

Artists and performers will be spread across eight stages at the park, including a youth stage featuring young talent and a Jamaican Corner stage.

More information on entertainment on each stage is on the Manchester Carnival website.

Claremont Road will be closed from Quinney Crescent to Alexandra Road on Saturday from 6:00 to 16:00.

Rolling road closures will be in place as the carnival parade moves to Alexandra Park on Saturday from 11:30 until 14:00. Full details, including timings, are listed on the Manchester City Council website.

On both Saturday and Sunday from 18:00 until 20:00 a road closure will be in place on Claremont Road from Princess Road to Quinney Crescent.

Manchester City Council has encouraged drivers to plan their journeys before travelling through these areas, and to allow extra time during event hours, especially during Saturday's parade.

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