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Chloe Banks looks forward to Bristol's historic festival with a brief history of the event. Click here for more details of St Pauls Carnival

The St Pauls Afrikan Caribbean Carnival is one of Britain's best-loved and most vibrant celebrations. In 2008, over 65,000 people were attracted to this diverse area of central Bristol to experience the stunning costumes, sensational sounds and sparkling atmosphere. One can't help but wonder what the original inhabitants of the area would make of the sunshine shenanigans.

The transformation of St. Pauls from its beginnings could hardly be more marked. The St. Pauls of today has a bit of a Jekyll-and-Hyde personality. Mention its name to an outsider and they may whisper words of riots and drug-dealing, talk to a resident and they will tell you of community-spirit and creativity.

Its architecture is equally two-faced: behind all the modern concrete and eye-catching street art, you can still catch glimpses of the original splendour of the Georgian buildings. Indeed, St. Pauls was originally one of the most luxurious and wealthy parts of the city; a prime choice for a merchant's family home. And, like much of Bristol, that luxury was built on the profits from the slave trade. An irony that is hard to miss on the first weekend of July, when Carnival rolls into town.

St Pauls Carnival took on its current name in 1991, having started life, 43 years previously, as the St. Pauls Festival. The initial idea was to create an event to help improve relationships between the European, African, Caribbean and Asian inhabitants of the area. The shift from wide multiculturalism to a more concentrated African Caribbean focus began in 1975, when the Trinidadian, Francis Salandy, took over the organisation. Fortunately this shift, and the subsequent move from 'festival' to 'carnival', has not changed the inclusive feel of this annual event for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Despite the questionable reputation of the area as a crime-hotspot, the carnival has enjoyed a largely trouble-free history. The violent attacks that occurred after the official end of the Carnival in 2001, leading to a security review of the event, were notable precisely because they were such a rare occurrence. The carnival is far more memorable for the wealth of music talent who have entertained the friendly revellers, including the likes of Drum and Bass DJ, Roni Size and Trip-Hop pioneers, Massive Attack.

Today, Carnival-goers can enjoy the legendary masquerade procession as well as a plethora of live music from the huge range of artists, clubs and schools that take part. The carnival is also famous for some of the most delicious festival food in the South West. From its humble beginnings in 1967, inspired by Carmen Beckford and vicar Roy Blake, to its 43nd anniversary this year under the influence of artistic director Pax Nindi, the St. Pauls Carnival has become a fantastic day for the whole family to enjoy.

So if you are looking for something to do this weekend, join the hundreds of thousands of people who have partied in St. Pauls throughout the decades. And while you're there, perhaps take a moment to savour the knowledge that a place built on the tragedy of slavery now plays host to a wonderful celebration of cultural freedom.

Chloe Banks is a freelance writer living in Bristol.

The views expressed are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Guide2Bristol.