THE ROUTE 2022

3 mile (4.7 km) procession to Osmaston Park from Cathedral Green in Derby

Troupes from across the country gather across the Cathedral Green as they prepare for the long 3 mile (4.7 km) procession to Osmaston Park. The weather expecting to reach as high as 31ºC. Spectators gather as Carnival Queen, Charlene, dressed in her heritage queen costume leads the procession through Derby Market Place towards Derby town centre.

2022 Troupes

Troupe after troupe pass through Normanton Road, each one greeted by joyous spectators. The DWICA (The Derby West Indian Association) Troupe in position to perform during the dance competition.

Last rehearsals 2022

With Carnival only days away the troupe leader was pushing them to perfect the timings of the performance, they wanted the troupe to be able to keep the same level of energy throughout the duration of the piece. You can see the troupe in their starting position for the performance. Four days before the carnival the troupe rehearsed their performance for the first time outside of the hall, as the troupe would be competing against other groups from across the country, as well as performing the entire three mile journey, it was imperative that they could perform on different terrains than what they were used to. After this they would then practice wearing part of their carnival costumes. It’s Carnival Day! One of the younger troupe members getting their photo taken after having their carnival day make-up applied.

The troupe in high spirits stood outside The Derby West Indian Association [DWICA] on the day of carnival. At the front their choreographer/troupe leader holds the official Derby Caribbean Carnival Flag. (TOP LEFT) Carnival Queen, Charlene, and choreographer/troupe leader Niaz lead the pack through Derby city centre, ecstatic for the day’s events. (BOTTOM LEFT) Carnival Queen, Charlene, dressed in her heritage Queen costume that celebrates DWICA sixty-seven years of DWICA. (TOP THREE RIGHT) Master of Ceremony Niaz leads Charlene from the Cathedral Green through Derby town centre. (BOTTOM MIDDLE LEFT) A Dance troupe from another City stand together in front of the Museum of Making, formerly Derby Silk Mill. Niaz and the troupe performing to the crowds of Derby who are gathered for the festivities along the Corn Market. (BOTTOM RIGHT)

Arrival!

A feeling of elation as the procession reaches Normanton, Derby’s most multicultural and diverse neighbourhood. With this being the first Derby carnival in two years the community indulged itself in the experience. People gathered to their windows to take a peak at the festivities below.

The procession passes from Normanton Road to Pear Tree Road. Now roughly halfway in their 3 mile journey there seems to be no lack of vitality in the troupes, They make it their duty to greet every spectator with the same amount of exuberance as the last.

Make way the carnival is here!

The final stretch is reached and the procession begins its march through Osmaston and onwards towards Osmaston Park. Again, we’re greeted by smiling faces from the crowds of people that line the pavements. Despite it being three hours since the troupes left on their procession, spirits are high and faces are jubilant.

Dance routines

The DWICA troupe and others perform their dance routines to the large crowds.

Undeterred by the 26ºC - 31ºC heat, people cued at the scorching Barbecue stalls to enjoy what some would say is the true experience of going to carnival, the food. Smoke from the many barbecues carry the rich and smokey jerk scent across the field to tempt curious noses. Children point in amazement at the sight of a tall carnival ride that dominates the skyline across the park.