Butetown is one of the UK’s most historic multicultural communities. Its Carnival began in 1967 and was Cardiff’s largest cultural event for decades. The redevelopment of Cardiff Bay in the 90s led locals to feel their community was taken away and their heritage discarded, and with further major developments planned, locals fear further loss of profile. Butetown faces higher levels of material deprivation compared to the Welsh average, leading many to feel demoralised with lack of opportunity.

We want to ensure the community’s deep multicultural heritage continues to be recognised and celebrated. Our reach means we can help build the Carnival’s profile with new audiences, across the city and beyond. The intergenerational training courses we will run are designed to improve life skills and increase employability, and our creative workshops help families and local people to form social connections, improve mental health and wellbeing and encourage a sense of ownership for the Carnival.