A Carnival for the community
If you weren't able to make it this year, read on to find out all about the brilliant weekend.
An overview of the event
Community Engagement
The Boscombe Carnival and Parade brought together a vibrant mix of local artists, performers, and community groups, offering a spectacular range of performances and activities that captivated audiences of all ages. This joyful celebration of Boscombe's rich arts and culture scene showcased the area's diverse creative talent, fostering a deep sense of community pride and playing a vital role in the ongoing regeneration of the area through cultural vibrancy.
Participants and Activities
BH Sewing Things: This creative collective of local craft and costume artists hosted hands-on sewing demonstrations and workshops, inviting attendees to learn new skills and make their own creations. Their engaging sessions highlighted the event's focus on participatory, accessible arts while providing a welcoming space for creativity.
Brother Louis: A beloved local performer, Brother Louis brought his soulful guitar tunes to the carnival, performing a dynamic mix of original songs and crowd-pleasing covers. As a neurodivergent artist and popular busker, his vibrant set brought a special energy to the event, underscoring the importance of supporting local talent and creating inclusive spaces for all performers.
Dazzarama: This inspiring drama group for adults with learning difficulties lit up the Mystical Maritime Parade with their inclusive performances. Based in Bournemouth and Poole, Dazzarama provided a creative outlet for its members, showcasing their talents and reminding us all of the importance of accessible arts opportunities for everyone.
DJ Margaman: Filling the streets with the irresistible rhythms of reggae and dancehall, DJ Margaman's outdoor set kept the carnival energy high. Positioned outside Jerk Hut, his music added a lively, street party atmosphere that drew crowds and enhanced the overall festive experience.
Jo PaintforFun: Known for her incredible face-painting skills, Jo brought colour and joy to the carnival, particularly enchanting younger visitors. As an active member of the WOSP Polish group, she also strengthened ties within the Polish community, making her contribution a perfect example of inclusivity and cultural engagement.
Nicole McNally: A local vocalist and ukulele player, Nicole McNally's soothing melodies added a fresh musical flavour to the event. With a mix of original songs and covers, her performance showcased homegrown talent while her role as a local music producer emphasized the carnival's commitment to uplifting and celebrating local artists.
Pipedown Collective: Supported by Black Cherry, the Pipedown Collective--an ensemble of local poets--added a unique, poetic element to the event. Engaging with the community throughout Saturday, they gathered poetic contributions from Boscombe café-goers, culminating in a touching reading of a community poem. This creative collaboration reinforced the spirit of unity at the heart of the carnival.
Rhythm Nation Drumming: Led by Cheikh Diop and Papi, this African drumming group brought electrifying rhythms to the carnival. Their traditional drumming and dance performances, complete with audience participation and workshops, created a captivating, interactive soundscape that celebrated African musical traditions and engaged festival-goers in a dynamic way. They also proudly led the parade!
Skabba: Blending the sounds of ABBA with ska, this local band headlined Saturday night with their energetic and playful musical fusion. Skabba's high-energy performance kept the crowd dancing and singing, delivering a vibrant and unique experience that was a highlight of the weekend.
Sound of Soul Choir: This uplifting community choir filled the air with soulful, joyous harmonies, creating a sense of togetherness among attendees. Their blend of gospel, soul, and contemporary songs resonated with the crowd, adding to the carnival's spirit of inclusivity and unity.
Squidge & Pop: Specialists in the art of bubble magic, Squidge & Pop wowed audiences with giant bubbles and interactive bubble play. A hit with children and families, they also hosted fun bubble-making workshops, offering hands-on creativity that made for an enchanting, interactive experience.
Steamship Circus: This dynamic circus troupe brought acrobatics, juggling, clowning, and more to the streets of Boscombe. Their family-friendly performances amazed the crowds, while their circus skills workshops encouraged participants of all ages to try their hand at various circus disciplines, adding an exciting and interactive dimension to the carnival.
Treehouse Theatre: Known for their immersive, participatory theatre experiences, Treehouse Theatre invited children and families to step into stories and create their own adventures. Their lively storytelling sessions and workshops offered a magical space for imaginative play, drawing in young audiences and adding a whimsical touch to the weekend festivities.
Key Supporters
Jerk Hut: A beloved local Caribbean restaurant, Jerk Hut played an integral role in supporting the Boscombe Carnival. Beyond being a vibrant hub for performances, they added a personal touch through the participation of their daughter, Destiny, who beautifully read the community poem compiled by the Pipedown Poets. This heartfelt contribution emphasized the strong, active involvement of local families and businesses in the carnival, showcasing the spirit of togetherness that defines Boscombe.
Specsavers: A shining example of community-minded business, Specsavers actively supported the event by providing a gazebo, exciting giveaways, and a continuous presence throughout the weekend. Their contribution illustrated the positive impact local businesses can have in fostering community engagement and supporting arts-focused events that bring people together.
Ben Irwin: A talented local artist, Ben Irwin played a key role in enriching the visual arts aspect of the carnival. His involvement highlighted Boscombe's creative spirit, adding artistic flair and enhancing the overall experience for attendees. His work was a testament to the wealth of artistic talent within the community.
Climate 17: This organization actively contributed to the event by offering volunteers through their "time off in lieu" initiative, helping to ensure the smooth running of the weekend and showcasing the power of community collaboration.
POW Property Management: Going above and beyond, POW Property Management demonstrated their support for local culture by commissioning a bespoke art board from Ben Irwin. This creative partnership between business and artist exemplified how local enterprises can meaningfully contribute to the regeneration of the area through artistic engagement.
What the community had to say
"What a lovely atmosphere."
"So glad I came down."
"The parade was such fun."
"Fantastic, amazing free family fun."
A strong emphasis on the value of the event being free and accessible was noted:
"I cannot believe you offered this for free."
"We need more of this kind of thing in Boscombe."
"Great initiative, hope it happens again next year."
The inclusivity and engagement of the event were frequently highlighted:
"Good to know we can all still have fun here together as a community."
"You bring us out to dance, and dance we will."
"Very friendly staff."
Specific activities like the bubble performances were repeatedly mentioned as standout features:
"The bubbles were the best thing."
"The bubble bubbles were seen from afar."
Appreciation for the event's role in contributing to the regeneration of Boscombe:
"These kinds of events are valuable for the community and bring life to the place."
"All the efforts going to make Boscombe better."
Summary of key points that support further funding and development opportunities
High Community Engagement and Satisfaction - 74% of attendees rated their satisfaction with the event and likelihood of attending again as 5 out of 5, indicating a strong positive reception and high community value. Positive feedback highlighted the event's atmosphere, inclusivity, and family-friendly nature, reinforcing the demand for similar future events.
Strong Economic Impact - 80% of local traders reported a positive impact on their business, and 60% noted increased footfall, demonstrating the event's effectiveness in boosting local commerce and contributing to economic regeneration. The event's ability to attract both dedicated attendees and incidental shoppers suggests potential for further economic
benefits by expanding engagement with local businesses.
Effective Use of Local Talent - The event engaged 81 local artists and performers, creating a platform for showcasing local talent and enhancing community ownership of the event. Collaborative efforts among artists, facilitated by pre-event networking, contributed to a dynamic, inclusive, and engaging atmosphere that aligned with Arts Council England's
objectives for community- led cultural activities.
Substantial Reach and Awareness - The carnival attracted over 1,000 visitors, with word of mouth (41%) and posters (22%) being the most effective awareness channels, suggesting strong community engagement and potential for expanded promotional efforts. Opportunities to strengthen social media strategies and digital presence could further
enhance reach and participation.
Cultural and Social Impact - The event fostered a sense of community cohesion and pride, as evidenced by feedback praising the event's role in creating a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere. Activities like bubble artistry, interactive performances, and community-driven initiatives (e.g., the Pipedown Collective poetry reading) successfully engaged diverse audiences, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of Boscombe.
Demonstrated Flexibility and Adaptability - Effective management of unexpected challenges, such as weather changes, showcased the event's ability to adapt and maintain a positive attendee experience, highlighting its organisational resilience and potential for future success.
Alignment with Regeneration Goals - The carnival aligns with Better Boscombe's objectives to drive economic growth, enhance social cohesion, and improve community wellbeing through culturally relevant programming. By leveraging local cultural assets, the event supports ongoing regeneration efforts and offers a model for future arts-led initiatives.
