By Frank Ulom
After two years of absence following the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that put the world at a standstill, the Carnival Calabar and Festival is back this 2022.
According to Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State during the First Dry Run on October 16, 2022, the theme for this year is “Agro-Industrialisation“.
CONVERSEER reported earlier that Governor Ayade also introduced two more competitive bands to add to the former five, making it seven. The 7 competitive bands are; Seagull Band, Freedom Band, Passion 4 Band, Masta Blasta Band, Bayside Band, CalasVegas Band, and Diamond Band.
Below is a comprehensive timetable and calendar for the 2022 Carnival Calabar and Festival.
16TH OCT. 2022 – FIRST CARNIVAL DRY RUN
VENUE:- Millennium Park – Carnival Route
TIME:- 2pm
FEATURES:- Display By Carnival Bands
ACCESS:- FREE
13TH NOV. 2022 – SECOND CARNIVAL DRY RUN
VENUE:- Millennium Park – Carnival Route
TIME:- 2pm
FEATURES:- Display By Carnival Bands
ACCESS:- FREE
18TH DEC. 2022 – THIRD CARNIVAL DRY RUN
VENUE:- Millennium Park – Carnival Route
TIME:- 2pm
FEATURES:- Display By Carnival Bands
ACCESS:- FREE
23RD DEC. 2022 – PRAISE & WORSHIP
VENUE:- U. J. Esuene Stadium
TIME:- 7pm
FEATURES:- Mercy, Joe Praise, Moses Bliss, Jimmy D’Psalmist, Pastor Femi, Ekanem Esu, Pastor Akpanke, Victor Winn, Simeon Douglass Choirs, Oluchi Wonder, Promise Effiong, and Others.
ACCESS:- FREE
24TH DEG. 2022 – WHITE STREET PARTY
VENUE:- Jasper 101, Embassy Lounge, Amber Lounge, Roman VIP Lounge, Leopard Town Road
TIME:- 7pm
ACCESS:- FREE
26TH DEC. 2022 – FESTIVAL OF CULTURES, MASQUERADES & DRUMS
VENUE:- Mary Slessor
TIME:- 12noon
FEATURES:- LGA Parade, States Parade, Calapino
ACCESS:- FREE
26TH DEC. 2022 – ARABIAN PARTY
VENUE:- Peregrino Hall, Government House.
TIME:- 7pm
FEATURES:- Fire Man, Belly Dancers, Music & Comedy.
ACCESS:- INVITE
27TH DEC. 2022 – BIKERS CARNIVAL
VENUE:- Carnival Route
TIME:- 11am
FEATURES:- Red Scorpion, Metallic Knight, Max Riders, De Invincible, Diamond Gang Riders, Tinapa Bikers, Stunts, BMW, Cars Parade & more.
ACCESS:- FREE
27TH DEC. 2022 – MISS AFRICA
VENUE:- CICC
TIME:- 6pm
FEATURES:- Pageantry, Music
ACCESS:- TICKETS
28TH DEC. 2022 – CARNIVAL CALABAR
VENUE:- Millennium Park – Carnival Route
TIME:- 10am
FEATURES:- Parade by Bayside, Seagul, Passion 4, Freedom, Masta Blaster, Diamond, and CalasVegas Carnival Bands.
ACCESS:- FREE
29TH DEC. 2022 – CALASVEGAS BEACH PARTY AND SOCCER TOURNAMENT
VENUE:- Calasvegas Beach
TIME:- 12noon
FEATURES:- Music, Soccer, Games, etc.
ACCESS:- FREE
29TH DEC. 2022 – INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL AND AFRICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL
VENUE:- UJ Esuene Stadium
TIME:-7pm
FEATURES:- Brazil, Turkey, Belize, etc.
ACCESS:- FREE
30TH DEC. 2022 – OLD SCHOOL PARTY
VENUE:- Ayade Glass House
TIME:- 7pm
FEATURES:- Mike Okri, Nico Mbaga Band, South Central Band, Comedy, Old School Music by DJ Sacra, Barbecue & More.
ACCESS:- INVITE