“KEEP CALM AND CARNIVAL ON” (the oh-so wise words of one carnival reveller’s t-shirt)
Now, I will admit something to you my lovely readers. Despite being a resident of the Hill for nearly 5 years now, I’ve never properly ‘done’ Carnival *hangs head in shame*. That August bank hol weekend has always been my prime time to head back to Guernsey and escape the teaming crowds, but this year it felt long overdue to head out into the streets and spend Bank Holiday Monday eating jerk chicken and dancing in the street with rum punch!
The Notting Hill Carnival is one of the biggest street celebrations in Europe and this weekend our usually quiet roads were visited by over 1 million people to celebrate all things Caribbean in the best traditions of Rio. I LOVED it. The spirit, the music, the colour, the whole atmosphere….it was incredible to see the neighbourhood overrun with such vibrancy and all quite literally in the name of having a great time.
It seemed that just about everyone was there – model of the moment Cara Delevigne was spotted filming her new movie on Ladbroke Grove and even Queenie herself made a little appearance…!
For those who have never been, Carnival is a huge street party overtaken by food stalls and drink stands, with a number of soundstages set up on about 20 selected different roads around the Notting Hill area. The jewel in the crown is, similar to other street carnivals across the world, the Parade. Incredible effort goes in to amazing costumes and floats that tour the streets – dazzling all of the visitors. But, enough of my warbling, the best way for me to describe Carnival to you is simply to SHOW you…
(Above: Best view in the house?)
(Above: My absolute favourite lady of the day; knitting. reggae. feathers.)
(Above: Portaloos on Portobello)
If you haven’t ever experienced Carnival I highly recommend it – if you’re not a lover of huge crowds, head there earlier in the day as from 4pm it’s pretty chocc-a-bloc. The organisers have now also made an iphone app that charts when and where the parade is at certain times and what soundstages are playing what – definitely useful if you head there next year! Peace out – until next year Carnival x
LMNH x
