Exhibition: Colours Of A Carnival – Past, Mas & Future

This autumn, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel will open its doors to a vibrant new exhibition that brings the sights, sounds and spirit of Manchester Caribbean Carnival into the heart of the city.

Launching on Saturday 27th September 2025 and running throughout Black History Month (October 2025), Colours Of A Carnival: Past, Mas & Future is a free exhibition that celebrates the heritage, artistry and community spirit of one of Manchester’s most iconic traditions.

At a time when conversations about what it means to be British are more present than ever, this exhibition highlights how our country’s richness lies in its diversity. Manchester Caribbean Carnival is part of that story – showing how cultures, traditions and communities come together to create something joyful, powerful and uniquely British.

Curated in partnership with the Manchester Caribbean Carnival Committee, the installation will transform the walls of Refuge, our much-loved bar and restaurant, into a visual journey through Carnival’s evolution. Visitors can expect a powerful display of costumes, photography, and artwork that together reflect the roots, creativity and enduring influence of Manchester’s Caribbean diaspora.

Manchester Caribbean Carnival has always been more than a celebration – it is a living expression of culture, creativity and community. It honours the past, inspires future generations, and continues to uplift the present. Colours Of A Carnival: Past, Mas & Future brings that journey into the heart of the city, celebrating the artistry, heritage and unity that keep Carnival alive as we move towards Black History Month.

The history of Manchester Caribbean Carnival stretches back to the early 1970s, when members of the Windrush generation brought the traditions of their islands to the streets of Moss Side and Hulme. What began as grassroots community parades has grown into a cornerstone of Manchester’s cultural calendar, filled with reggae, calypso, soca, sound systems, dazzling costumes, dance, food and performance. Carnival has always been a space for celebration, resilience, and joy.

Hosting the exhibition during Black History Month is particularly important. Black History Month is a chance to celebrate the contributions, achievements and cultural heritage of Black communities across the UK. It is also a moment to reflect, learn, and honour the histories that shape our shared identity. Colours Of A Carnival: Past, Mas & Future places Manchester’s Caribbean diaspora at the centre of this celebration, shining a light on the creativity, resilience and unity that make Carnival such a vital part of the city.

For Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, it is a privilege to host this exhibition. Manchester’s Caribbean Carnival is one of the city’s most joyful traditions and a celebration of the Caribbean diaspora in Manchester. This exhibition reflects its spirit, creativity and history, while also providing a space for guests and the wider community to come together to learn about and celebrate such an iconic part of Manchester’s cultural identity.

Colours Of A Carnival: Past, Mas & Future will be free to visit throughout October 2025 at Refuge. Whether you’ve danced in the parade, cheered from the crowds, or are discovering Carnival for the first time, this exhibition is an invitation to experience its colour, energy and history up close.

Come celebrate with us and see how Manchester’s Carnival continues to honour its past, inspire its future, and bring people together today.