Watershed is getting into the legendary spirit of St Pauls Carnival, Bristol’s annual celebration of Afro-Caribbean arts and culture, with a special Carnival warm-up night on Fri 1 July featuring film and music.

The night will kick off at 20:30 with home-grown short film Carnival Memories, featuring recollections from the huge variety of people that help make Carnival happen in Bristol every year.

This will be followed by a screening of the energetic new documentary Fire in Babylon, which charts the rise of one of the greatest teams in sporting history – the West Indies cricket champions of the mid 1970s.

Their ascendancy took place during a time of apartheid, race riots, and civil unrest, giving their achievements a potent political dimension. The film is an uplifting celebration of Caribbean culture as well as cricketing prowess and will delight both cricketing and non-cricketing fans alike.

After the films join us in the Café/Bar for a Carnival warm-up party with Jamaican folk singers Tan Teddy, Bristol’s Queen of Soul Celestine, reggae sensation Norris B, the African Blues Connection, moves from the South West Dance Theatre and much more.

Make sure you collect your free rum punch made by guest chef Esme Davis, which should give you the kick start to keep you dancing into the small hours.

St Pauls Carnival Creative Director Julian Davis, who will introduce the night, said:

"Celebrating Caribbean culture has always been at the heart of St Pauls Carnival, so we’re looking forward to getting the party started at Watershed’s warm up event and hope that everyone will join us for the full festival experience on Sat 2 July!"

Fire in Babylon continues its run from Sat 2 July for at least six days.

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