Cardiff’s colourful Butetown Carnival returns

Cardiff’s famous Butetown Carnival returns for another year, with celebrations confirmed for the August bank holiday weekend.

On Sunday 24 and Monday 25 August, Butetown Arts and Culture CIC (BACA) takes over Cardiff Bay to celebrate its multi-cultural roots with music, dance and activities for all to enjoy.

Supported by Wales Millennium Center and the Senedd, this year’s theme is maritime ; and nod towards Butetown and Tiger Bay’s boating history.

Widely known by locals as the ‘docks’, it has a rich history of communities settling there from all over the world as they came to work in associated industries.

Community

For decades, Butetown Carnival has been a real community effort, often with organizations and volunteers coming together to create everything needed to put on the weekend – from costumes to choreography, music and delicious food. And this year is no different, with lots planned for the 2025 event; can be revealed soon.

The celebration will begin with everyone’s favorite bit – the carnival parade!

From 11.20am on Sunday 24 August, people are encouraged to join the parade or line the pavements outside of the CCHA Culture and Media Center on Bute Street.

The parade will start at 12 noon and a full day of celebration will continue into the evening outside Wales Millennium Centre.

On Monday 25 August, the party continues with performances around the Bay – including on the Terrace at Wales Millennium Centre and on the mainstage outside the Pierhead Building.

Collaboration

Butetown Arts and Culture CIC (BACA) took over the carnival in 2014, with one of its organisers, Keith Murrell , actively involved since the 80’s.

He commented: “Carnival is about bringing people together from all different communities, backgrounds and generations, creating something joyful, powerful and ours.

“In times like these, it’s more important than ever to celebrate, connect and lift each other up. Butetown Carnival welcomes people from across the city and across Wales to join our community.

“We want everyone to get involved, because it’s not just a show to watch; it’s something to be part of.”

Graeme Farrow at Wales Millennium Center said: “Our home is in the heart of Butetown so the carnival is a natural collaboration between us and some of the local community, and we firmly believe in supporting carnival and celebrating its rich and colourful culture which we’re lucky enough to have on our doorstep.”

Butetown Carnival takes place from Sunday 24 – 25 Monday August 2025 at 1pm – 9pm, Cardiff Bay