Stephen Weir articles, editorials and popular social media weir postings

  Toronto Caribbean Carnival Kicks Off  with HOT  HOT HOT Launch Event everybody loved Olivia Unedited news story by sweir: Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square came alive on a scorching hot day as the 56th Caribbean Carnival was officially launched on Tuesday. The vibrant atmosphere was filled with excitement as approximately 2,000 enthusiastic audience members gathered to celebrate the rich Caribbean culture. The event took place at Toronto City Hall, where a jampacked list of speakers and performers graced the outdoor stage. The ceremony was hosted by CTV Nathan Downer and CP24's Jessica Smith, who successfully wrangled the line-up of speakers. Among them was Jennifer Hirleheym, the new Chair of the Festival Management Committee, who kicked off the proceedings with an extensive review of the exciting changes and improvements for this year's festival. "We pride ourselves in creating a welcoming, safe environment for this shared celebration of Caribbean culture," Hir

  And So It Begins. Photographer Anthony Berot Is Comin’ ANTHONY BEROT WITH BANDLEADER PHOTOS - BY SWEIR By Stephen Weir   Anthony Berot has already covered two costume launches in the past week, an FMC open house and is already getting his gear ready for a busy busy April. The EPIC carnival and SunLime launches are in the books and Jamaal Magloire’s Revellers launch at the Grand Luxe  coming up this weekend. The official photographer of the 2023 Toronto Caribbean Carnival figures this his 13 th  year taking pictures of the festival formally known as Caribana. A tall fit 70 something man, he is easy to spot at any and ALL carnival happenings. He has his video camera on a tripod, a camera (often two) around his neck, and when the Soca music is blaring he is dancin’ beside and around his gear. The colourful costume launches.  Blockos.  Children’s events. The King and Queen contest, Pan Alive and the Grand Parade. No living photographer in Canada has taken as many carnival pictures as Ant