Volunteer with Derby Caribbean Carnival 2025
Sunday 20th July 2025 | Osmaston Park, Derby

  • Carnival FAQ
  • Join Our Carnival Team
How can I get involved in the carnival?

To get involved in carnival as a volunteer it is an easy process – simply make contact with Derby West Indian Community Association:

Email: info@dwica.co.uk
Tel:- 01332 371529
Drop in: at DWICA Carrington Street Derby DE1 2ND

What social media platforms can I go on to find out more about the carnival?

• Facebook: facebook.com/derbycaribbeancarnival
• Instagram: instagram.com/derbycaribbeancarnival
• Website: dwica.co.uk

What happens at Osmaston Park?

This is considered the family funday 1.00pm – 9.00pm that entails:
• The arrival of the troupes from the city centre (4km)
• Each troupe performs in the main stage arena
• Live music from local and international artists
• sound systems zone – local and national sound system
• Fair ground rides and amusements
• Arts & craft stalls
• Promotional stalls
• Derby Museum Makory bus – activities for young people
• General parks play area that includes a multi court area
• Catering stalls – featuring Caribbean catering “jerk Chicken” along other snacks and dishes including vegan dishes.
• Soft drinks
• Beer tent

The carnival family fun day at Osmaston Park – why is there an entrance fee? Is it value for money cost for carnival?

The entrance fee is to generate income to pay for the carnival infrastructure costs to meet health and safety regulations that govern outdoor events as defined by Derby City Council Events Safety Advisory Group (DESAG).

The nominal fee £5 is considered value for money for the event as it gives the opportunity for local people with limited funds and access to see an international reggae artist for these costs.

Tickets are available online via gigantic ticket sellers as per link below:

gigantic.com/derby-caribbean-carnival-tickets

Why is there a carnival procession and why does it start in the City Centre?

The carnival procession is the opportunity for people of all age groups to create and display colourful costumes in a street parade worn by carnival troupes from Derby, Nottingham, Leicester Northampton (regionally) and from various cities nationally.

The procession starts from the city centre and takes a 4km route to Osmaston Park. It was done to create interest from the businesses and local people in the city centre. During the 90’s the procession would leave Pear Tree School and make its way to Derby City Centre (Market Place), and in doing so large crowds would turn out to see the arrival of the procession in the city centre, in excess of 350 troupes. This event generated a lot of businesses for catering business in the city centre especially those located in the marketplace.

The history of Caribbean carnivals: – https://dwicalegacy.co.uk/caribbean-carnival

What is East Midlands Caribbean Carnival Arts Network (EMCCAN) Costume competition and where will it be held this year?

This event is held on an annual basis in which the city members of EMCCAN enter creative costume designs worn by contestants that exhibit the costume (colours & movement) in a competition setting for the title in four different categories:

  • Carnival Queen
  • Carnival Princess
  • Carnival King
  • Carnival Prince

This competition is hosted by EMCCAN members on a rotation system, meaning this year it will be in Derby and next year in Northampton.

When did Derby Caribbean carnival start and by whom?

Derby Caribbean carnival started in 1975 by DWICA Chairman Solomon Walters at the time and took place at Moor Lane stadium. In the 1980s it moved to Normanton Park in mid-1990’s moved to Osmaston park.

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Area of carnival I would like to be involved in




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