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Steeling the carnival show
By Louise Jury, Evening Standard 23.07.07
Freedom festival: this year's Notting Hill Carnival will mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in England
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A giant steel bands competition that unofficially kicks off the Notting Hill Carnival weekend will take place in Hyde Park this year.
The National Panorama Championship will see nine of Britain's top steel bands, comprising up to 75 musicians, compete for the title National Champions of Steel.
The move to the park is part of a continuing plan to improve the organisation of the carnival and reduce the pressure on its home in west London.
The organisers and Ken Livingstone have also buried their differences after tensions last year, when the Mayor launched his own Caribbean festival in Hyde Park.
The Mayor described the steel bands event as "a welcome development, building on Panorama's historic position as a key part of the celebrations and as the successor to Caribbean Showcase, which has previously been held in the park".
The theme of this year's carnival - the 43rd - is Set All Free, acknowledging some forms of slavery continue today as well as marking the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in England.
Chris Mullard, chairman of the organisers, said the event promised to be bigger and better than ever.
Two million visitors are expected to take part in the main Bank Holiday weekend of events from 25 to 27 August. But the build-up begins this week with the launch of the London Calypso Tent performances, hosted by the Association of British Calypsonians, at the Yaa Asantewaa Arts and Community Centre in Westbourne Green on Friday.
Masquerade costumes for the carnival will be on show at Alexandra Palace, Wood Green, on 18 and 19 August, with the calypso finals on the eve of the main event on 24 August.
Notting Hill celebration: What's on
Friday 27 July
Launch of the 2007 London Calypso Tent at the Yaa Asantewaa Arts and Community Centre, 1 Chippenham Mews, W9
Monday 13 August
The Notting Hill Nursery Carnival, presented by the Children and Parents Carnival Association at Kensington Memorial Park, W10
Saturday and Sunday 18 and 19 August
Grand Carnival Costume Splash, Alexandra Palace, Wood Green
Friday 24 August
Calypso Monarch Finals, Yaa Asantewaa Arts Centre
Saturday 25 August
National Panorama Championship, Hyde Park. Plus guest performers, 4-9.30pm
Sunday 26 August and Monday 27 August
Carnival Showcase in Hyde Park, 11am-7pm
Sunday 26 August
Notting Hill Carnival Children's Day, 11am-7pm
Monday 27 August
Notting Hill Carnival Adults' Day, 11am-9pm
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Reader views (3)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
Each year carnival seems to get bigger and better! However I'm getting more frustrated each year by the transport system. Surely "for safety reasons" it would be wiser to open more stations rather than close them strictly for the carnival weekend "in the interests of public safety". If it was a carnival celebrating any culture other than ancestors of slaves, I'm sure there would be no difficulties in getting there. "Public safety" wouldn't be looked at with such "consideration"!
- Nicola Lovett, London
The Panorama has always been a great introduction to the rest of the Carnival, so I can't help feeling its a shame for it to be moving to Hyde Park. There are so many events happening in parks or fields now they are all starting to feel the same.
It seems like we have to do everything Ken Livingston's way now.
- Unhappy, London
It is an excellent festival which I attended first time in 1991. I enjoyed it very much with my family especially my kid who daily attended the festival. There was lot of enthusiasm and fun for everyone irrespective of age, sex religion or race. People love each other and enjoy their life under one umbrella. They are free from worries. God Bless them.
- Chishty, Lahore, PAKISTAN
