With two weeks to go before carnival day, St Pauls Carnival announces full ‘Back A Yard 2025’ line-up

Following the announcement of this year’s powerful theme, Roots of Resistance, St Pauls Carnival has revealed its full 2025 programme, and it’s set to be another dynamic and culturally rich experience for all.

With a line-up that spans generations, genres, and communities, this year’s Carnival honours the 60th anniversary of the Race Relations Act 1965 and the legacy of the Windrush generation, while spotlighting the role of music and culture in protest, identity, and joy.

The programme will launch with Human Library: Voices of Windrush on 22 June, a powerful event centred on storytelling and the preservation of legacy, in line with the Roots of Resistance theme. In partnership with Trinity Community Arts, St Pauls Carnival will host this intimate panel discussion, offering audiences a unique opportunity to connect with artists and educators who are actively carrying forward the spirit and resilience of the Windrush generation.

The Human Library will feature talented local storytellers including Rider Shafique, Julz Davis, Muneera Pilgrim and Lawrence Hoo, who will share personal anecdotes, family memories and more. These storytellers will explore the lessons passed down through generations, bringing to life the stories of resilience, adaptation and cultural preservation. 

On carnival day, 5th July, attendees are invited to join the Community Celebration Day event at Circomedia, offering an exciting blend of arts, music, delicious food, and community spirit that captures the essence of what makes the St Pauls Carnival so special. Taking place from 1pm – 6:15pm, this interactive family day is designed for kids and parents to enjoy together, creating lasting memories for the whole family.

Expect performances from local African-Caribbean talent including Da Fuchaman, 1Relation Sound, Vierz Collective, Tan Teddy, Elijah A.M. + Family Takeover, Ayahuasca and more.

In addition to the Community Celebration on carnival day, there will be a series of party events across Lost Horizon, Circomedia and Lakota. Leading the charge is General Levy, the legendary Jungle MC whose high-energy performances have made him a household name across the UK. He’ll headline the Lakota Night Takeover on 5 July, alongside DJ Krust, AÆE, and Anything But Becky, in a night that celebrates the deep roots of sound system culture and its evolution into UK bass and rave.

Further acts confirmed include:

• Booty Bass – Bringing radical joy and Afro-diasporic bass to Circomedia for a Carnival Day party that’s part fundraiser, part cultural statement
• Dubkasm, Jah Lokko, and QSS Young Lion – Anchoring the daytime Roots & Rhythms Yard at Lakota with heavyweight dub and reggae
• Ben Badoo, Kesh, and Rubba – Headlining the Roots Yard Day Party at Lost Horizon on 29 June, powered by Firmly Rooted Soundsystem

Following the announcement of this year’s full programme producer Jamell Ackford said: “We’re incredibly proud to reveal this year’s Back A Yard programme, a true celebration of the strength, creativity and culture embedded within our community. Guided by the theme Roots of Resistance, the line-up honours our heritage while creating vital platforms for local artists and voices to shine.

From music and storytelling to food, family activities and more, each part of the programme reflects the richness of African Caribbean culture. This is about holding space for connection, joy and shared experience, and we’re excited to celebrate with everyone.”

The Back A Yard programme reinforces St Pauls Carnival’s commitment to year-round engagement, cultural education, and community-led creativity. Contributions and funds raised as part of the Back A Yard event series and throughout 2025 will ensure St Pauls Carnival can deliver a full carnival event in 2026. 

Tickets for the Back A Yard event series can be purchased here, to donate to the St Pauls Carnival, follow this link.