Liverpool is nothing if not eclectic - a remnant of that mercantile melting pot from a century ago that has seen a number of communities establish themselves in and around Liverpool.

Sure, Liverpool has a Chinatown and an Arabic Arts Festival and that enclave of British Afro-Carribbeans around Toxteth - but did you know there’s a Brazilica Fringe Festival too?

We didn’t but this weekend will be looking forward to a festival of Brazilian music, dance and art at venues like Leaf, Ropewalks Sqaure and crazy, brilliant cocktail hangout Santa Chupitos.

Events will include a Carnival Ball with live music and dancing from Sambacuda, Batala, Liverpool Samba School and Afro Samba; Brazilica, a free all-day street party at Williamson Square and night-time samba parade; art and music workshops, including the Liverpool & Manchester Capoeira Group at the Cultural Crossover; and live performances from Brazilian acts including Débora Schneider and Uaná Duo, as well as local acts, Audio Asylum, The Ratty Little Fingers, Ed Tattersall, Kalika and Scott Jay at the Official Closing Party.

Organisers say it will be the biggest carnival of its kind in the UK - and who are we to argue? We’ll be there looking for Pasteis de Nata.

Brazilica Fringe Festival
Friday 15-17 July
Leaf, Bold Street; Williamson Sqaure; Ropewalks Square; Santa Chupitos