A new free exhibition has opened at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. Colours Of a Carnival: Past, Mas & Future celebrates the heritage, artistry and community spirit of Manchester’s Caribbean Carnival.
Curated in partnership with the Manchester Caribbean Carnival , the exhibition is displayed on the walls of Refuge, the hotel’s iconic bar & restaurant, for the duration of Black History Month (October 2025).
The installation charts the rich history and evolution of Carnival in the city, allowing Mancunians and those visiting the city to experience a powerful display of costumes, photography and artwork that together reflect the traditions, creativity and enduring influence of Manchester’s Caribbean diaspora.
At a time when conversations about what it means to be British are more present than ever, Colours Of A Carnival: Past, Mas & Future exhibition highlights how the 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.
Speaking about the exhibition, Julia Burke, Chair of the Carnival, said: “Manchester Caribbean Carnival has always been more than a celebration – it is a living expression of our culture, creativity and community. It honours our past and inspires future generations, while continuing 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 Manchester Caribbean Carnival has its roots in the early 1970s when members of the Windrush generation sought to recreate the vibrant street processions and masquerade traditions of home. Over the decades, the carnival has grown both in scale and significance. It now includes major musical genres like reggae, calypso, soca, powerful sound systems, elaborate costumes, dancing, food and cultural performance.
Rhea Leach, Marketing lead at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, added: “It’s a privilege to host Colours Of a Carnival at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. 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. It is important to me, and us as a business, to be able to provide a space where guests and the wider community can come together to learn about and celebrate such an iconic part of Manchester’s cultural identity.”
Colours Of a Carnival: Past, Mas & Future is open to the public throughout Black History Month (October 2025), offering a unique opportunity to engage with Manchester’s Carnival heritage in one of the city’s most iconic venues.
