Dates: 2 August - 4 September
Location: Senedd Oriel & Pierhead Futures Gallery
This summer the Senedd is proud to host an exhibition celebrating Butetown Carnival. Keith Murrell, Creative Director of Butetown Arts & Culture Association, has curated a selection of images from the Butetown Carnival Archive. These images give a snapshot of the joy of carnival over the years. Join us for Butetown Carnival on 27 & 28 August 2023.
Images © Keith Murrell and Simon Campbell
“Butetown Carnival is a vibrant celebration deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Butetown community in Cardiff, Wales. Our carnival origins can be traced to traditions brought to the area by seamen in the early 20th century. As seafarers from different cultures and regions arrived in Butetown, they brought with them their own vibrant carnival customs, which eventually merged with the local community's festivities.”
“Dating back to the 1960s, Butetown Carnival has become a beloved annual event. Over the years, the carnival has evolved into a grand showcase of music, dance, costumes, and food, drawing influences from the various cultures that have contributed to the community. The parade, a centrepiece of the carnival, features colourful floats and music from local and national artists.”
Images © Simon Campbell
“After a long hiatus, the carnival was relaunched in 2014 by Butetown Arts & Culture Association (BACA). Our aim was to reestablish the carnival as the carnival for Wales – a flagship carnival event that represents the diversity and creativity of the entire country.”
“This exhibition pays homage to the rich heritage and legacy of this beloved event. Through photographs, costumes, memorabilia, and personal stories, the exhibition captures the essence of the carnival's evolution over the years. It celebrates the community's resilience, creativity, and unity – the friendships made and barriers broken.”
“With thanks to: the Welsh Government Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan, Senedd Cymru, the Wales Millennium Centre, Arts Council of Wales, Simon and Anthony Campbell, Glyn White & family.”
- Keith Murrell, Butetown Arts & Cultural Association
Images © Keith Murrell
