First-ever Diversity Carnival paints Carlisle with vibrant colours

The event was a celebration of sexualities, genders, diaspora heritage and disabilities highlighting the diversity within the community and throughout the county. 

Organised by Pride in North Cumbria (PiNC), in partnership with Multicultural Cumbria, the carnival received support from Carlisle United Community Trust and City of Sanctuary.

Pam Eland, from PiNC, said:  “It's important that the minority groups work together as it shows people that there is support and unity and it doesn't matter where you're from, how you identify or what your ability is.

Parade passes through Lanes Shopping Centre (Image: Pilgrim Photography) 

"The world is supposedly getting better at accepting people for who they are.

"There are still groups and individuals who have hate, for reasons that are beyond my thinking.

"Showing unity shows that people care and there is a lot of love and support out there, that is what this carnival is about. Love, support and acceptance." 

The jubilant event attracted participants from Newcastle, Barrow, and the west coast, and people settled in the city, representing dozens of different countries.

Diversity Carnival in Carlisle's Greenmarket. Credit: Pilgrim Photography

 Saj Ghafoor, director of Strategy & Partnerships of Multicultural Cumbria, said “The carnival had sun, fun and diversity strands coming together to focus on community integration through the power of unity, respect and friendship.

"Bringing smiles to the faces of participants and the general public that lined the streets and enjoyed the spectacle full of colour and joy," she said. 

Post the parade, Multicultural Cumbria facilitated a 'Big Lunch' event in Bitts Park, organised by The Eden Project Community.

Drum Nation brings the sounds to Diversity Carnival. Credit: Pilgrim Photography

Families gathered to share a picnic, engage in games, and dance.

Newly appointed CEO of Multicultural Cumbria, Janet Cresswell said: "What a pleasure to work with other groups to showcase how welcoming Carlisle is to everyone.

"The atmosphere was terrific, especially at Bitts Park for the Big Lunch where old and young spent time together with people from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds."

Stuart Ritson, of PiNC, said: "I had the privilege of being part of the organising team for the Cumbria Diversity Carnival.

"It was a fantastic experience bringing together various cultures and communities, including a strong representation of the LGBT community.

"The whole point of the carnival was to celebrate our diverse culture within Carlisle and Cumbria and I think we achieved that.

"We hope to grow the carnival and have other groups join us in years to come as we want this to be about all the communities in and around Cumbria," he said. 

The celebratory spirit extended into the evening with PiNC hosting 'A Queer Do part 2' at the Brickyard. 

PiNC will also continue to hold their monthly quiz night on 7th June at Rainbow HQ, 21 Victoria Place at 8pm with raffle, drinks and nibbles available.