Free concert climax to Rotherham Carnival

The street party will end with a free concert in Clifton Park, featuring a range of artists from Rotherham and elsewhere.

Their music will hop continents from Europe to Africa, reflecting the inclusive mood of the “people’s parade”.

Headlining the show is Rubber Duck Orchestra, a seven-strong Manchester act which has previously played at WOMAD and Boomtown Fair.

This rocking brass band plays music inspired by central and eastern European folk.

It will bounce the bandstand with original numbers as well as Balkan, Roma and Klezmer classics.

Diana Samkange is hot property in her native Zimbabwe.

Starting out as an urban artist, she reinvented herself as Mangwenya — an Afro-jazz singer with folk roots.

Mangwenya and her band will “bring back ancient soul in style” during the Rotherham stop on her international tour, promoting the release of latest album Kwaedza.

Liverpudlians Rumjig describe themselves as “rum-a-dub swing funk” whose lively sets “combat bitterness, boredom and blues”.

They play around the UK, including regular slots in Liverpool clubs.

Vicky Hilton, the carnival’s lead organiser, said: “I really want to set a bar in Rotherham for high-quality music and arts events that are free, inclusive and accessible to all.

“I’m so excited to have the opportunity to work with some amazing bands, who have been playing at festivals all over the country.”

Other acts set to soundtrack the carnival include firm Rotherham favourite Papa Legbas.

The self-described “voodoo pirate blues band” are regular headliners at pubs, clubs and festivals around the borough.

Their screaming trumpet and harmonica solos will “disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed”, as per the band’s own online mission statement.

Youngsters’ talents will also be celebrated on the bandstand.

Rising stars Tom Jane and Reagan — a Thrybergh student — will both take the stage next Saturday.

And the Rotherham Township Choir, which aims to unite local communities in song, will also appear at the country-hopping concert.

For more information on the carnival, visit tinyurl.com/gsav5f2.