David Chadwick

In 1975, David Chadwick photographed Manchester Carnival as its procession passed through Hulme. His photographs show decorated floats, performers, dancers and spectators lining the streets around the Crescents, documenting the carnival within the area that was the subject of his wider Hulme work, made between 1975 and 1977.

Established by members of Manchester’s Caribbean community in the early 1970s, the carnival became closely associated with Moss Side and Alexandra Park, with its procession also travelling through neighbouring Hulme. Now known as Manchester Caribbean Carnival, it remains one of the city’s longest-running annual cultural events, culminating in street parties and celebrations at Alexandra Park. Chadwick’s predominantly black-and-white series, together with a single colour photograph, documents the carnival during its early years.