Carnival! comes to the West End

The West End is hosting its first summer carnival on Saturday 4 August celebrating Plymouth’s unique independent quarter.

Organised by the Plymouth City Centre Company and run in association with Plymouth Market, the free event will see local businesses getting involved to promote the West End and give shoppers a flavour of the amazing range of products and services it has to offer.

The day will be packed with sponsored activities, free tasters and demonstrations, live music and dance, children’s entertainers and more. Open to everyone, the event will take place in and around Cornwall Street, New George Street, Frankfort Gate and Market Avenue.

With a wide array of amazing independent shops and restaurants both around the West End and in Plymouth Market, which accommodates more than 140 stalls, eateries and cafes all under its newly refurbished roof, it’s the only place in Plymouth where you can eat in a Brazilian café, buy fresh fish and find stunning jewellery all within a few yards of each other.

Entertainment and activities lined up for the day include American classic cars on display along Cornwall Street, awe-inspiring circus acts, a sword eater and knife thrower, as well as music and dancing with Plymouth-based Samba band Mi Salsa Cubana and live performances from popular local performer Kat Towers, guitarist Steve Sampson and the Bad Knees Blues Band in Frankfort Gate. The ever-popular Street Factory will be busting some moves and encouraging onlookers, young and old, to join in as well as local businesses putting on their own demonstrations including power tools, hair braiding and virtual reality to name but a few.

The Market will be hosting free face painting and a children’s entertainer to keep the youngsters occupied; a great opportunity to check out the huge variety of stalls and products available in the Grade II listed building, and their special offers for the day. There will also be demonstrations laid on by some of the stalls including a glass workshop and henna tattooing and opportunities to taste some of the delicious food available in the Market.

Also making an appearing will be beloved children’s character Elmer the Elephant. Elmer will be next to the stage in Frankfort Gate, creating the perfect opportunity for family fun and photos. Next year, some 40 Elmers will be placed around the city as a trail to raise money for St Luke’s Hospice.

Closing the day’s musical entertainment will be local band, The Native, winners of the Ocean City Sounds local band competition and causing a stir locally. So there really will be something for everyone at the West End Carnival!

Sponsoring the event is local organisation Plymouth Community Homes, which has many residents and a community shop in the locality.

Steve Hughes, Chief Executive of the City Centre Company said: “We’re really excited about Carnival! We want to build on the incredible success of last Year’s Grand Day Out which celebrated the newly refurbished Plymouth Market, and showcase to the people of Plymouth everything that’s great about the West End.

“The West End is such a surprising place, full of character and quality independent businesses: bars, shops, market stalls and restaurants. We want everyone to discover what they’re missing!”

Plymouth Market Manager Matt Jones said: “As the flagship of the West End the Market and its traders are really looking forward to taking part in Carnival! Grand Day Out was such a great success and helped to raise people’s awareness of how much the Market and the West End of the city has to offer shoppers. We hope to repeat and add to that success on the 4th.”

A great day out for the family during the summer holiday period, join in the fun on 4th August from 10.00am – 4.00pm.