Notting Hill Carnival Kicks Off

Notting Hill Carnival is the Europe’s biggest street festival.Since 1966, the capital’s Caribbean communities have celebrated their culture and traditions at this two-day festival of live music, ranging from reggae and dub to salsa and Calypso.
This year it will held on 25-27 August, featuring a sea of vibrant colours as 60 bands in magnificent costumes dance to the tantalizing rhythms of the mobile sound systems or steel bands featuring UK Calypsonians, soca artist, visiting international artists and other emerging acts. There will be nearly 2 million attendees, 40,000 volunteers and 9,000 police.
At the roots of the Notting Hill Carnival was the Caribbean carnivals of the early 19th century – a particularly strong tradition in Trinidad – which were all about celebrating the abolition of slavery and the slave trade. When the steel band musicians paraded through the streets of Notting Hill, they drew black residents out on to the streets, reminding them of the Caribbean homes they had left behind.
Thus it is now a vivid spectacle representing London’s multicultural past and present. Elaborate floats and colourful costumed performers wind their way through the streets to the sound of steel bands and calypso music. Watch the carnival parade, join in the fun and visit the tempting food stalls where u can taste hot hot hot jerk chicken, fried plantain etc.
The event kicks off on Saturday night with Panorama – a fabulous, free open air evening for the entire family, steel band lovers, general music lovers or anyone looking to enjoy a great evening in a Caribbean style atmosphere.
The program is at Emslie Horniman Pleasance Park, Bosworth Road, W10 from 6pm to 10pm and is free to watch. The main event starting on Sunday in the areas of Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park.