The carnival in Stoke- on-Trent has been operating in some form or other for the last 15 years. Those with longer memories will remember the original event and cultural parade in 1999 organised by ACAFA (African Caribbean Arts Festival Association) in conjunction with The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Blue Mountain (which evolved into NORSACA) set up in 1996 by Michael & Sharon Dockery and in pa
rt byBeaver Arts, UHURU and Cultural Sisters. That first event started with a costume a parade beginning in Hanley and finished in The Grange Cobridge where a King & Queen were elected (Jeanette & Ken better known as Boxer) for the day, then the fun day began in earnest. After a great day in the park, there was a party at the Cobridge Community Centre which ran until midnight to end a wonderful day on a high note. Prev Pause Next
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What was different and unique about this first festival was the involvement and input of The Potteries Museum who ran an exhibition of Caribbean costumes 24th July to26th September 1999. Coincidently the carnival took place on the 14th August the same as todays. One of the driving forces behind scenes was Gary Oliver, his initiative moved the project forward, and the millennium saw the carnival become a two day event. Under the guidance of 7c's, it established itself at it's current venue in Hanley Park, their initial event was much more politically aware than before, indeed along with the music, dance and the funfair the day celebrated the Ethiopian Constitution. The organisers to their credit established the basic format that we see to this day with the two stages, arts workshops, funfair, food & commercial stalls and community project stands, and ran the event under the guidance of Sam Beasley until 2008. In 2008 NORSACA (North Staffs Afro Caribbean Association) took over the reigns under the management of Hughie Lawrence and many others who had been with the project from day one. From the beginning it was decided to make the event more multicultural and draw in all aspects of the cities diverse nature bringing the event closer to everybody, they renamed it 'Six Towns One City Carnival' with the motto 'United Strength Is Stronger'. The timing was right and the carnival got a much needed boost of energy involving many more community based projects, as Hughie said "Our hope is that this event will bring together everyone". Buy now the carnival had become part of Stoke-on-Trent history, and one of the years most supported open air events. The time was right to set up an organisation who's main purpose was to run the event. The 'Six Towns One City Association' was born, with close ties to NORSACA and the YMCA, these dedicated volunteers Dwayne Spence (Dj Spind) Stacey Darlington, Colley Sykes, Leroy Chevolleau, Daniel Flynn, Locksley Campbell (Locksley was also on the very first committee in1999), and others work tirelessly to ensure it's success.
