Carnival Archive Project

The Carnival Archive project sought to preserve and share the wonderful world of carnival by developing the first Carnival Archive in the UK.

Carnivals and street processions bring everyone together to celebrate and enjoy all that is creative and fun in our communities. Beyond the spectacular performances, magical costumes and music, there’s a deep-rooted history and culture that has transformed our communities over the years. The Carnival Archive project offered everyone, whether a carnival organiser, artist, performer, group or spectator, the opportunity to contribute photos, drawings, film, music, and stories about carnival in Norfolk to the archive.

The project used state-of-the-art digital archive technology, creating a regional ‘on-line’ archive that will capture the rich heritage of all things carnival, to enable everyone to access, learn about and be inspired by carnival, and to ensure that the heritage of carnival is preserved for future generations.
visit the carnival archive website
Led by the UK Centre for Carnival Arts (UKCCA) and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the project partners were:
  • NORCA, in Norfolk
  • Southend Carnival Association, in Southend
  • Northampton Carnival Arts Consortium and Northamptonshire Black History Association, in Northampton

People could get involved by
  1. Attending a roadshow or oral history event.
  2. Bringing memorabilia to NORCA’s base at Martineau Memorial Hall, Colegate, Norwich.
  3. Signing up as a volunteer.  There was an extensive programme of training for volunteers, so this was a chance not only to contribute to the project but to learn new skills.
  4. Schools and colleges were be able to access an exciting education programme.  The project worked with 20 schools and 600 pupils in Norwich and across Norfolk.
  5. Become a Carnival Ambassador
Carnival means different things to different communities, whether influenced by traditional seaside carnival, English, South Asian, Caribbean or South American roots. For all of us, this archive project can bring together and celebrate generations of passion, skills and arts that would otherwise be lost.

If you have an interest in the heritage of carnival and want to talk to someone please contact:

Cathie Davies
Phone:  01603 760529
Email: cathie ‘at’ norcaarts.co.uk