The Manchester Caribbean Carnival 2008

11 August 2008

The Manchester Caribbean Carnival this year is to take place over the weekend of Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August 2008 with the main parade being on the Saturday.

The Manchester Caribbean Carnival, has been part of the fabric of Moss Side since the seventies creates an enormous sense of pride within the community.

Participating in the parade enables us to put across crucial fire safety messages to the public in a fantastically fun way. We as an organisation are committed to working with all communities within Greater Manchester.

The Carnival is an opportunity for people from around Manchester to express their pride and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of Moss Side and South Manchester.

This is the first year that Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has sponsored a float in the parade.

A great deal of effort into organising full participation in this year’s event has been undertaken and for the first time we are sponsoring a float in the Carnival Parade complete with its own Caribbean Steel Band.

We will be hosting a number of activities in Alexandra Park supported by a range of employees and volunteers associated with the service, to encourage the young people of Moss Side and surrounding areas to come and engage with us.

Activities include a firefighter challenge allowing youngsters to experience the types of activities operational firefighters undertake, a firefighters charity stall and additionally members of the recruitment team will also be present to offer advice and guidance on a variety of careers in the service.

Authority Chairman Cllr Paul Shannon, who represents nearby Rusholme Ward, commented:

"Our Fire Service is determined to reach out to all communities in Greater Manchester. I encourage the community to visit our stall and activities, to find out about careers in the Fire Service or cheer on the Fire Service float in the festival parade!"

"Moss Side Fire Station is already at the heart of the local community in the area. The Fire Service is proud to take part in this wonderful community event, and I look forward to visiting the Carnival this weekend."

For more information visit www.caribbeancarnivalofmanchester.co.uk 

Press enquires
All enquiries regarding this press statement should be made to:

The Media Liaison Officer
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters
146 Bolton Road
Swinton
Manchester
M27 8US

Telephone: 0161 608 4090/1
Fax: 0161 608 4095