What better way to see and hear the people of Belfast than in a carnival?! In an inspiring interview, founder and director of Beat Carnival, David Boyd MBE, has shared his emotions, motivations and purposes in creating art for all.
Beat Carnival has revolutionised Belfast’s street scene over the past 30 years making “carnival Northern Ireland’s big way of celebration.” David has dedicated his life to breaking down barriers, uniting communities, and promoting local artists’ work to boost “Belfast art made by Belfast people.”
David began his career as a youth worker in a time when Belfast was “still regarded as a dark place.” Sensing the need for colour and a space for young people to express themselves, Beat Carnival (previously Beat Initiative) was born in 1993. Now nearing retirement, David is still highly motivated in his work due to “such positive feedback.”
Within NI, David recognised one of the only creative means in the 1980s/1990s was drumming, however it was deeply sectarian in nature.
“I want to take drumming in a different direction, and make it a joyful and welcoming activity- outside of our usual culture.”
Beat Carnival then famously worked with Paul Simon’s “Rivers Of The Saint” drumming group ‘Olodum,’ in a huge Belfast Parade in 1995. Today, Samba drumming classes, costume making, set design workshops, and much more are hosted by Beat Carnival and result in astounding shows and displays.
Beat Carnival then famously worked with Paul Simon’s “Rivers Of The Saint” drumming group ‘Olodum,’ in a huge Belfast Parade in 1995. Today, Samba drumming classes, costume making, set design workshops, and much more are hosted by Beat Carnival and result in astounding shows and displays.
The organisation has been recognised internationally with showcases at the ‘Millenium Dome’ (London) in 2000, a ‘Land of the Giants’ display at Titanic in 2012 and in the 2022 St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Recently, Beat Carnival has been at the forefront of dissolving sectarian lines such as the “Lantern Parade”, bringing together communities of the Falls Road and Shankill Road areas. This parade has not been widely published in the media before, and it points to Beat Carnival’s dedication to their work as well as pointing to the “power of the arts”. Their commitment has led David to be involved with Trans Europe Halles a council member of Banlieues d’Europe.
Looking ahead, David hopes the organisation keep making an impact in “opening the world up to Belfast” and keep “looking outward rather than inward.” David’s story about Beat Carnival and its lasting legacy of positivity and joy will no doubt inspire the next generation of creativity.
Maeve Mac Airt
Student Journalist at UUC. Highly interested in political journalism and social issues.