Brazilica Festival will return to Liverpool this summer for the first time in three years.
What’s described as 'Britain's biggest Brazilian-style carnival' is finally making its comeback and will take place on Saturday, August 6. The event is a celebration of Brazilian culture and first took place in Liverpool’s 2008 European Capital of Culture year. The Rio-style parade proved so popular it became a regular feature in Liverpool’s culture calendar.
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Each year it has grown in size to include film, music, exhibitions, food stalls, caipirinha bars and a Carnival Queen competition. Its Saturday night carnival parade features samba bands from across the world, playing alongside local groups including Liverpool Samba School, Batala Mersey, Katumba, and Wirral Samba Drummers.
This year will be the 12th time Brazilica Festival takes place in Liverpool. The carnival will take its usual route through the city centre, starting at The Cambridge Pub at 7.30pm, moving off from Abercromby Square and winding along Hope Street, Hardman Street, Bold Street, and Church Street, before finishing in Williamson Square. A huge after party will then take place at District in the Baltic Triangle and more details about that will be announced in the coming weeks.
Brazilica Festival was created by Liverpool Carnival Company, a registered charity. Founders Maeve and Roger Morris coordinate the annual event with the help of dedicated volunteers. Work is now underway at the old Edge Hill library, to bring all the amazing costumes and floats to life, while the community centre on Lodge Lane is the rehearsal space for Liverpool Samba School, which Roger and Maeve have been running for the last 27 years.
Maeve said: “Having had to miss the last two years of Brazilica, we’re really excited to be bringing the carnival parade back to the streets of Liverpool. Lots of the samba bands say that this is their favourite festival, because the people always come out and show their appreciation. The atmosphere is like nothing else.”
Roger added: “It’s so exciting to be bringing back Britain’s biggest Brazilian carnival to Liverpool. The festival is going to be immense. It’s a great party atmosphere and family-friendly. I hope everybody will come along and celebrate with us.”
Brazilica Festival takes place on Saturday, August 6. For all the latest updates follow Brazilica on social media.
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