20-07-2025
'Rain won't stop us' as Derby Caribbean Carnival turns 50
Derby Caribbean Carnival brought the bright atmosphere of the sunny West Indies to the damp East Midlands on grey skies and drizzle, the city's black community delivered a procession of handmade costumes and choreographed dance from the Silk Mill to Osmaston Park.A programme of events for its 50th anniversary ended with a performance by Maxi Queen Azaliah Kydd said: "We're not in the Caribbean, we're in Derby, this is the closest we can get to our roots. The rain won't stop us!"
The 31-year-old was crowned Derby Carnival Queen, and took part in the procession in a bright multi-coloured floral outfit.
She said: "I wouldn't say it's heavy but it's a little uncomfortable - but no pain no gain!"The atmosphere is amazing. If you like music, you like food, you like the vibes, you need to come. I cannot wait for the jerk chicken."There's troupes from different cities coming together, and yes even though it is a competition we're here to celebrate our culture and each other, have fun and let our hair down - although the weather's pants.
Azaleah added that while Derby is not as big as Notting Hill, the community and the costumes make it a great said: "We do have a big black community here, people have come together and we're just going to smash it."Troupes taking part in the event had travelled from across the region including Nottingham, Leicester and Baptiste, 65, from Northampton, took part in a huge phoenix outfit.
He said: "It's a bit heavy but once you get moving your body will counterbalance the whole thing."This is my first time here - what I'm seeing is lots of colours, lots of people who are braving the weather, saying damn the consequences let's do it, let's show Derby what we can do!"This year's 50th Derby Caribbean Carnival takes place from 12:00 to 21:00 BST on Sunday at Osmaston procession is due to arrive at the park at about 14:30, said organisers, where there would be entertainment including Caribbean food stalls, arts and craft stalls, a beer tent, sound systems and music.
