Souvenir Brochure
Click here to download a copy of the official 2023 souvenir brochure. Physical copies were given away to thousands of visitors in the runup and on carnival day:
Download Worcester Carnival Official Souvenir Brochure 2023 (PDF, 3MB)
The Parade
Worcester Carnival Parade starts at Pitchcroft at 3pm, making its way around the traditional 1.7-mile route through Castle Street, Foregate, High Street, Pump Street, City Walls Road, Deansway and Croft Road before returning to Pitchcroft. There will be rolling road-closures between 2pm and 5pm to allow everyone to safely enjoy the carnival.
The Parade Theme – “Our Colourful World”
Worcester Carnival’s parade theme for 2023 is…
“Our Colourful World!”
What does the world mean to you? Or what means the world to you?
Last year’s theme was “Celebration” which restated our mission to stage Worcester’s biggest party. This year, our theme goes straight to the heart of what our carnival is all about – a celebration of everyone we call our neighbours in the city of Worcester. We want it to be a carnival for future generations to remember. One that includes the breadth of the Worcester community and makes a positive impact on the world around us.
We can’t wait to see how you rise to the challenge with surprising and inspiring entries to this year’s parade. Floats, walking groups, dancing, and a fair few wild and wonderful artistic creations.
Carnival Village
The Carnival Village on Pitchcroft Racecourse is at the heart of Worcester Carnival. It is free to enter and will be open from 11am to 7pm on Carnival Day Saturday 1st July 2023. This is where the floats and parade groups will gather during the day and the parade starts and finishes.
Here, there will be activities and stalls from local charities, arts, crafts, food and drink.
The funfair features retro and junior rides and activities, and will be £5 for “unlimited ride” wristbands or £2 per ride.
The Community Stage is where we showcase some of the amazing talent in Worcester:
- 11:00 – Bulgarian Dancers
- 11:20 – ENTW9 Dance School
- 11:40 – Norbury Theatre
- 12:00 – Ceremony with Carnival Monarchs and the Mayor of Worcester
- 12:30 – WODS
- 12:5 – Academy Theatre Arts
- 13:10 – Lollipop Youth Theatre
- 13:50 – I-sing
- 14:30 – 17:00 Carnival parade
- 17:00 – Winners presentation
- 17:30 – Blank Kanvas
- 18:30 – Blobbie Williams
Cathedral Square
Stage performances on The Marshalls Stage 11am to 3pm before the parade arrives:
- 11:00 – I-sing
- 11:45 – Beat Breakerz
- 12:10 – Lollipop Youth Theatre
- 12:30 – Bulgarian Dancers
- 12:50 – WODYS
- 13:15 – Hip Hop Steppaz
- 13:40 – Voices Unlimited
- 14:25 – Banjaxxed
- 14:45 – Lola Dawes
- 15:00 – Carnival parade, stage closes
Our Nominated Charity
Proceeds from this year’s bucket collection will be awarded as a grant by Worcester Carnival Charitable Trust to 8th Worcester Scouts Group. Thank you to all who donated generously – we will be announcing more details of the grant awarded shortly.
Our Carnival Monarchs 2023
Rhianna Levi – Carnival Queen
Successfully earning this role is dreamy. I’m a young woman who has had turbulent life experiences, but my constant ambition and dedication has enabled me to achieve the unimaginable.
I’m eager to use this position to inspire the next generation, continuing my ongoing community and mental health work with a passion for helping others. I’m an educator, academic, social justice activist, published writer, and now a local Queen! 👑
Danny Taylor-Edwards – Carnival King
Absolutely over the moon !! I’m a hard working passionate family oriented man, who’s always willing to give a helping hand and put a smile on everyone’s face.
I’ll use this position to further engage with the local community as this is something I am passionate about as this is something I do a lot of at my work at a local care home.
It is an absolute privilege to be the first carnival king and I hope to make the community proud.
Photo Gallery
We will be adding this section shortly – please bear with us!
Videos
Our Sponsors
We are grateful for the support and sponsorship of the following who have enabled this fantastic community event to go ahead:
Ideal Care Homes – Woodland View
Woodland View is very excited to be part of Worcester Carnival 2023. This is a great opportunity for the people of Worcester to meet us and find out about the outstanding person-centred residential and dementia care we offer. We go above and beyond to create a lifestyle that residents can be proud of, planning activities that encourage day to day enjoyment and fun. Look out for our ‘Alice in Woodland View’ carnival float this year – we look forward to meeting you all!
Bored & Bookless
Located in the heart of Worcester adjacent to Greyfriars National Trust, we are proud to be Worcester’s only independent bookshop selling new books including Travel, Classics and a whole range of other Genres.
The National Lottery Community Fund
Radio Wyvern
UK Shared Prosperity Fund
This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.