Object of the Month: October 2022

Chosen by: Nikki Lindley, Leicester Museums & Galleries Volunteer

Collection: Costume

Object Name:

Caribbean Carnival Costume 2022

Made, worn and donated by ‘Can’t Blame Da Youth’, Leicester Caribbean Carnival.

When I was aged 9 in 1981, the riots broke out in Highfields caused by racial discrimination of the black community. This was right outside my window and was the first time I had personally understood prejudicial treatment of a community.

The Leicester Caribbean Carnival lead by Elvy Morton from the Afro-Caribbean community helped to unite Leicester to celebrate black culture, history and my Caribbean identity.

Each year I love the excitement and anticipation of the first Saturday in August. Seeing the different generations of people of all cultures follow the vibrant procession of floats, colours, costumes and people and the sound systems, whistles and steel drums and the smells of Jerk chicken and Curry goat from the town centre to Victoria park.

The Object of the Month can be seen in person throughout October at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery.