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Rail stations showcase 25 years of carnival in photos

Sarah JonesWest of England
News imageStroud Valleys Artspace Image of a large orange fabric octopus puppet being held in the air by poles by a group of festival goers. In the foreground is a woman holding a banner in the background can be seen crowds of people, trees and balloons.Stroud Valleys Artspace
The 'Bringing The Street Alive' exhibition has been launched at four train stations in Gloucestershire

A photography exhibition showcasing 25 years of carnival in the county has been launched at four Gloucestershire train stations.

Dozens of vivid photographs featuring carnival projects in Stroud and Gloucester have been mounted on poster boards and installed at stations in Cam and Dursley, Gloucester, Stonehouse, and Stroud.

Entitled 'Bringing The Street Alive', the exhibition is a collaboration between Stroud Valleys Artspace (SVA) and Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership (GCRP).

Hannah McDonnell, from GCRP, said: "Carnival is one of Gloucestershire's great community stories and we're proud to help bring it into station galleries across the county."

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The new community exhibition has been set up for the thousands of train travellers who "pass through every day" to enjoy, the SVA said.

Along with images of Gloucester Carnival and Stroud Carnival the exhibition also features The Jonkunoo and Masquerade Project, Stroud Jazz Carnival and Jamaican Independence Day.

The SVA said the exhibition is a snapshot of the "diverse spectrum of communities, artists and participants" who have "helped bring carnival to the streets" over the past 25 years.

Jo Leahy, from SVA, said: "Carnival has helped communities across Gloucestershire tell their stories for 25 years in colour, movement, music and costume.

"Working with GCRP means we can share that story right in the heart of the rail network, where people already are, every day."

News imageStroud Valleys Artspace Image of a man wearing a straw boater and a black vest top. He is holding a long pole. On his arms he is wearing cuffs of straw and around his neck he has a string of blue beads. In the background can be seen a a group of dancers wearing brightly coloured long ethnic print dresses.Stroud Valleys Artspace
Organisers hope the exhibition will encourage rail users to hop off at a different train station

Organisers are also hoping the exhibition will encourage train travellers to hop off at a different stop, spend time in the station galleries and discover local areas.

McDonnell, said the GWR funded project "links local culture and creativity with sustainable transport".

"When stations feel like shared community spaces, travelling by rail feels more connected, more welcoming, and part of everyday life," she said.

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