Carnival Code

The Nottingham Caribbean Carnival has a simple code – Enjoy Yourself, Stay Safe and Respect Others!

Enjoy...

Jump, sashay and shimmy

Carnival is all about enjoying yourself – prepare to join the East Midland's largest street party! The sound systems are parading behind every troupe. Jump to the sounds, sashay to the mas and shimmy at the stages.

First time?

If this is your first time at Carnival then why not come on Parade Day? Parade Day is held on Sunday and is when the parade is show cased.

Stay Safe...

Tell the police if you see an incident

There is a high security presence at the Carnival weekend; you won't miss them if you need to report anything.

Stay with your friends

Unless you want to party by yourself, arrange to meet up with your mates before travelling to the Carnival. The sheer volume of people on the Forest Recreation Ground and parading the route means that it will be tricky to meet anywhere along the Carnival route or on site; and remember that some tram stops, bus lines and roads will be closed for some period during the parade.

Take care - go with the flow

Try to keep walking in the same direction as the crowd, not against it.

The carnival route is very well managed and there is crowd control in place to keep things smooth.

Look out for your kids

Keep hold of your children and avoid the busiest areas, especially if you have a pushchair. Plan where you will be and where the toilets are on the route!

Give the bands space

Don't get too close to the Carnival floats or run in front of them - they might not be able to stop in time.

Keep your feet on the ground

Don't jump on and off sound systems and please don't use residents' walls or buildings as vantage points. Not only is the latter very disrespectful, they are also not safe to be used in this way.

Respect...

Stay away if you plan to cause trouble

Carnival is for everyone and should be trouble-free. If you are intent on causing trouble, you will be arrested. Respect others: don't be one of the 0.1% that ruins Carnival for others.

Respect Carnival

Carnival is the social and artistic expression of freedom, equality and inclusivity, and joining in means we have a responsibility to each other. Share the values of Carnival and show respect towards others.

Respect your hosts - Notthingham's residents and businesses.

Carnival is in the area for just 48 hours, but for thousands of people this is home all year round. Help keep the neighbourhood clean: use the facilities provided and don't turn front gardens into public toilets.

TOP TIPS 

• Arrange to meet friends and family before entering the Carnival area.

• Have a set meeting place in case you loose family or friends.

• Go with the flow of the crowd – don't try to walk against it. Keep aware, pickpockets will be attracted to the large crowds.

• Don't bring your valuables or wear expensive jewellery.

• Keep your belongings with you at all times.

• Don't carry too much cash or credit cards.

• To avoid congestion, arrive and leave early.