It's something many people in Bristol look forward to and enjoy - and we wanted to know why the event means so much.

One thing you love about carnival is how the event attracts a wide and varied selection of people from all around the country.

"I like the atmosphere and how it brings people of different cultures together," said one fan.

"And the food is heavy and we like the music.

"I've been living in St Pauls for years and it contributes to the life in a positive way so that's what I like about carnival."

"Everybody just gets together - it's like unity you know."

Others say what they like is the fact that it brings lots people to St Pauls.

"The whole community coming together really. It's not just for the people of St Pauls, you get Easton, Montpelier and all surrounding areas.

"You also get people from outside of town. It's an opportunity to meet people and have a good time.

"Everybody just gets together - it's like unity you know, everybody can have a laugh and a drink, you know, enjoy yourself."

A day for children

Children and young people look forward to enjoying the carnival with their parents who can remember the magic when they came to carnival as youngsters.

"The carnival is a day for kids really - they really enjoy it and talk about it.

"We started it originally for the children.

Some say it's the multi-cultural aspect that gives the carnival extra sparkle.

"The atmosphere is brilliant, the music brings people of different cultures together.

"The carnival is a day for kids."

"I like getting together with my friends and going to the carnival and eating lots of food."

Most carnival-goers say the days is like an all-day and all-night party.

"You go to have a good time, you don't think of anything else."

"Most of the time it's sunny but last time it rained and we still had a good time anyway."

"Lovely, exciting you know, people out there love it you know, more crowd and the music take you to the street."

"Different streets, listen to different music and meet different people."

"Lots of sound systems playing."

"It's a bit different from Jamaica with the costumes and dance."

"The first one I think came up Park Street."

"I remember in years gone by, you know, dancing to the African beat".

What are your memories of carnivals past?

>> Click here to talk about them on the carnival messageboard.