A file photo of a Goa Carnival float staged in Hounslow.
LONDON
A number of events have been planned to mark traditional Goan Carnival festivities in different parts of England on March 1. These events will include carnival parades to be led by King Momo, with music to be provided by leading bands and DJs. At few of them are being hosted for the first time in their respective areas.
LEICESTER
Eventra will present the ‘Viva Carnival’ for the first time in Leicester on March 1 from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm at the Mother of God Church Hall, Greencoat road, Leicester.
Music will be provided by the Goan band 'Legacy' and DJ Cloud, while Emmanuel will be the Emcee. The event will include bingo, games, prizes and surprises.
LONDON
The Goan Association (GOA) UK will host the Red & Black evening at the Heston Catholic Social Club Hall, behind Our Lady Queen of Apostles RC Church, Heston, Hounslow, on February 22 from 5.30 pm onwards.
Music will be provided by the band 'Legacy' while Shack Hack will provide catering services. The dress code will by Red & Black Smart Casual and there will be a raffle and spot prizes at the event.
LONDON
Zivac events and Blurry events will present the ‘Carnival Parade’ on the London High Street on March 1 from 2 pm onwards.
The parade will begin from the Hounslow High Street Mcdonald to the Hounslow Market (Market Place).
The Carnival After Party will take at the Social Sport Bar, Hounslow Market (Market Place) from 8 pm onwards and will feature music by Rhythm Mates, Sam, Enrico, Armstrong and Briaroh. Dylan Rodrigues will be the Emcee at the event. There will be games and a number of prizes at the event.
LONDON
L and J Events will present the ‘Red & Black Carnival Dance’ at the Cranford Community Hall, on March 1 from 7 pm onwards.
Music will be provided by The Runks, a band flown in from Goa, along with The Reunion and DJ Queency. There will be a Carnival Parade with King Momo, the best costume contest, housie and hidden surprises.
“We invite people to come and experience the glamour and the glitz of the Red & Black Carnival Show. Costumes will be exclusively in Red & Black,” said Aloyd Fernandes, the main organiser.
MILTON KEYNES
Iconic Events and Entertainment will present the ‘Carnival Spectacle’ for the first time in Milton Keynes, at the Stoke Hammond Community Centre, on March 1 from 4.30 pm to 9.30 pm.
Music will be presented by RE-SYNC, a one-man band and DJ, alongside Reman Fernandes and Synclair Varella, and DJ Franky Fernandes, with the MC Simon Varella hosting the event. Guests can enjoy a variety of snacks and dinner as part of the entry fee.
The highlight of the evening will be Rosch Goes from Milton Keynes, who will take on the role of King Momo. A grand King Momo parade, complete with his entourage, will be one of the highlights of the celebration. There will also be a special prize for the best carnival costume, along with additional prizes throughout the evening.
Organised by Reman Fernandes (musician) and Simon Varella (Emcee), the event aims to keep the Goan Carnival spirit alive in Milton Keynes.
"We felt that presenting this event was incredibly important because we wanted to bring the heart and soul of the Goan Carnival to Milton Keynes, right where the local community can truly connect with it,” said Simon.
“As part of the Goan diaspora, we’ve always felt that the vibrant traditions of our Carnival should be shared and celebrated locally. By creating this event, we’re not just offering a night of music and fun; we’re preserving and honouring Goa's rich cultural heritage that might otherwise be missed in a place like Milton Keynes.”
Added Reman: “This celebration provides a space for everyone to come together, enjoy the spirited atmosphere, and feel connected to the traditions we hold dear. It provides an opportunity for local Goans and everyone in the community to experience the Carnival’s energy and joy without having to travel far.”
SOUTHAMPTON
The ‘7th Goa Carnival Nite 2025’, a free international Goan cultural event, will be presented by the Golden Goa Association Southampton UK at the St Boniface Church Hall, Southampton, on March 1 from 4 pm to 10 pm.
A file photo of the Goa Carnival Nite staged by the Golden Goa Association Southampton UK.
There will be a King Momo Parade, prizes and surprises, while music will be provided by DJ Richiee. All proceeds will go to the priests of St Boniface Church.
“We are organising the Carnival event for the 7th time so that the youngsters, especially those born and brought up in UK, know the culture and heritage of Goa and that’s how they will identify themselves with the legacy of festivals happening in Goa over the decades,” said Sebastian D’Costa, the President of Golden Goa Association in Southampton (GGAS).
“This event not only brings Goan families together in a community spirit but people from other nationalities and faith also come to witness the Goan traditions including cuisine and music.”
RJ Roque Vaz, founder member and current General Secretary of GGAS, added, “The younger generation should take an interest and participate in Goan events, which highlight the rich and diverse Goan identity and way of life. That’s the reason as to why we have chosen two youth members, Marissa Noronha and Ralston D’Costa, to host the colourful event. They will be compering a Goan community event for the very first time in Southampton.”
“We have kept this event absolutely free to encourage more younger people to attend and engage in cultural activities with regards to the Goan carnival. We will be also fundraising for the priests in our parish so that young people know the importance of giving and sharing.”
