Jointly organised by Rock Against Racism and the Anti-Nazi League, the concert was preceded by a march through Manchester, starting at Strangeways on Bury New Road, at 12 noon.
Using the stage, generators and PA equipment from the Deeply Vale Festival 1978 (which ran 5 days later near Bury) helped to make the carnival viable both financially and logistically.
Graham Parker and the Rumour approached Rock Against Racism, asking to play a practice set prior to supporting Bob Dylan's first UK concert since the Isle of Wight Festival in 1969 at Blackbushe Aerodrome (by coincidence, Bob Dylan and Graham Parker and the Rumour were playing on the same date as the Rock Against Racism Northern Carnival).
Alexandra Park was chosen because of its location in the centre of Manchester’s black community and because of its beautiful tree-surrounded oval that was perfect for an outdoor concert.
A live gig, featuring several bands and performers – including Maddy Storm, The Naughtys, Kieran Dobson, Josh Goodard, Golty Farabeau, Patrick T Davis and Young Identity Poets – took place at Night People, Princess Street, Manchester on 14 July 2018.