Liverpool's International Samba Festival Was the Hit of the Summer!

Thousands of people came from far and wide to enjoy Liverpool's International Samba Festival on Saturday, July 16th. There was a jubilant carnival atmosphere in the city as crowds lined the streets to watch the spectacular Brazilica Carnival Parade which made its way from Abercromby Square, along Hope Street, Hardman Street, Bold Street, and Church Street, before finishing at the Whitechapel Junction. Over 750 people took part in the incredible Parade from the UK, Brazil, Europe and even as far as Singapore, filling the streets of Liverpool with colour, music and a sensational carnival atmosphere.

There was music and dance from 22 bands including Paraiso School of Samba, Samba Masala, Katumba, Morro 16, Sambafriq, Manchester School of Samba, Pulse of the Place, Liverpool Samba School, Hull Samba, Oxiris Wirral School of Samba, Oya Batucada, Karamba Samba and World Wise. Meanwhile, the dancers dazzled in their glitzy, glamorous carnival outfits, featuring appearances from dancing horned devils and drumming policemen.

The festival fun started on Friday July 15th, at PanAm Restaurant and Bar. The heat was on as nine amazing samba dancers battled it out for samba supremacy in the ever popular Carnival Queen Competition. Hosted by The Guide's Ellie Phillips, there was a fantastic turnout for the event which saw the 2015 Carnival Queen Melinda Adams hand over her crown to Paris Thompson from Paraiso School of Samba. And Singapore band Samba Masala brought the house down with their fabulous Brazilian beats.

This year, Brazilica teamed up with Liverpool BID Company to host the Main Carnival Day in the city's Commercial District which was transformed into a sizzling hotbed of colourful carnival action with a packed programme of live music all day long.

Around 15-20,000 people headed to the Main Stage in Derby Square to see the samba dance shows, and listen to Brazilian bands and DJ sets, playing everything from samba and funk to bossa nova. Crowds were also able to sample a taste of Brazil at the many food stalls selling Brazilian food, caipirinhas and Brazilian beer.

And after the parade, the party continued at The Arts Club on Seel Street, home of Circus and Chibuku, hosted by carnival DJs with live performances from visiting samba bands.

The festival came to a climax on Sunday afternoon with samba performances in Church Street and Clayton Square. But the fun isn't over just yet, you can still sample the Brazilian culture at the Brazilica fringe events which have been running all over the city. Award-winning wildlife photographer, Joao Marcos Rose, is exhibiting his incredible images of biodiversity and conservation at St George's Hall until Friday, July 22nd.

In addition, the Brazilian Film Festival runs until Saturday, 6th August at various locations through the city showing films celebrating Brazilian life and culture, from biographies and documentaries to comedy and drama.

To get involved in Brazilica Festival 2016 as a sponsor or volunteer, or for more information, please visit the website at http://brazilicafestival.co.uk

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