St. Paul’s Carnival began in 1968, organised by local residents who aimed to unite the European, African-Caribbean, and Asian communities. They wanted to challenge negative stereotypes of the area and celebrate the community’s diversity and positivity.

Photographer Andrew ‘Beezer’ Beese, born in Bristol in 1965, documented his time growing up in the city, which has had a significant cultural impact on the UK and beyond. His photography exudes a spontaneous and relaxed feel.

Beezer “I knew most of the people around me, and they knew me, so it wasn’t a problem to hang out with the camera. I put together my own darkroom at home; I would take photos, develop them, and show them to my friends the next day.”

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