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2m get ready for Carnival
By Emily Parsons, Evening Standard 23.08.07
There will be more than 50,000 people with 15,000 costumes taking part in the Carnival
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More than two million people are expected to attend the 43rd Notting Hill Carnival this weekend.
Despite tight security for the event, organisers are promising it will be bigger and better than ever.
Seventy performers, including mass bands, mobile DJs and 16 steel bands, will take part in the procession along the 3.5-mile route.
There will be more than 50,000 participants, with 15,000 costumes, 150,000 feather plumes, 30 million sequins and 100 litres of body paint.
The theme of this year's carnival - Europe's biggest street festival and second in size only to the Rio carnival - is Set All Free, marking the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in England while acknowledging that some forms continue today.
Professor Chris Mullard, chairman of London Notting Hill Carnival, said: "Carnival 2007 promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with a wonderful series of events showcasing the multicultural splendour of the capital.
"It is important that communities in London unite and show the talent and the passion that thrives within."
London Mayor Ken Livingstone added: "I am very pleased to be backing Carnival again, particularly in the year that we are marking the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in England."
The final build-up begins on Friday with the climax 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 Saturday, Hyde Park will host a giant steel band competition, the National Panorama Championship.
Nine of Britain's top bands, comprising up to 75 musicians, will compete for the title of National Champions of Steel.
Sunday is Children's Day, while the main parade and party will be held on Bank Holiday Monday.
This year's Carnival charity is the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust, which will use the event to raise awareness and encourage more black and mixed-race people to sign up to the UK Bone Marrow Transplant register.
Carnival-goers are expected to consume five million hot and cold drinks, 30,000 corn-on-the-cobs, five tonnes of chicken, 12,000 mangoes, 16,000 coconuts and 25,000 bottles of rum.
Organisers estimate the carnival is worth more than £100 million to the economy.
• Police have planned a massive security operation to combat any attempt to bring gang warfare to the event.
Yesterday, the Standard reported how gangs have used networking sites such as MySpace and Bebo to threaten violence at the party.
Organisers are hoping the "ring of steel" will keep out troublemakers, allowing everyone else to enjoy themselves.
What's on day by day
Friday
Calypso Monarch Finals - Yaa Asantewaa Arts and Community Centre 1, Chippenham Mews. Doors open 7pm. Show starts 8pm (No admission after 11pm).
Saturday
National Panorama Championship - Nine of Britain's top steel bands, each with between 40 and 75 musicians, compete to be named National Champions of Steel. Hyde Park, 4pm-9pm.
Sunday
Notting Hill Carnival Showcase 2007 - Variety of performances and family activities. Music from Anslem Douglas, Gailann, Roger George, Jr Don, John Blood, Colin Bell, Nicholai LaBarrie, 4Plus and Levi Roots on the Carnival bandstand stage. There is also a children's area. Hyde Park,11am-6pm.
Notting Hill Carnival - Children's Day. Participation by young spectators is encouraged. 11am-7pm.
Monday
Notting Hill Carnival - Adult's Day 11am-9pm (Sound systems close at 7pm).
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Reader views (2)
Carnival is the best annual event in London. It is just so flamboyant and diverse in terms of the costumes, music and the people there. I have been going every year and will continue to do so. I used to live in Kensal and miss being right where the carnival party is. There is nothing like that sense of freedom and joy you get when listening and dancing to the music and following the parade or just chilling out on one of the greens or stands.
There is a huge amount of camaraderie on the streets and what's really special is the amazing smiles from everyone. Yes there are reports of violence, but given the sheer numbers attending, the stats are relatively low. Besides, security gets tighter every year. And actually, if you're there after the floats have gone, its strangely quiet as you see the dustmen cleaning-up painstakingly after the party's over. Until next year!
It is one of the highlights of mine and many others' year! If you've never been to carnival then go! You'd be crazy not to drink-in that atmosphere.
- Renee, London
I used to live on Amberley Road off the Harrow Road and for the last few years before I moved I would always go away for the entire long weekend rather than face the Carnival. When I first lived there the kids on the estate at the bottom of the road used to have a float and it was no bother at all but by the time I left helicopters would be hovering over head until 5am Tuesday morning. My street would be a sea of glass and all the shops would be boarded up except KFC and the local off-licence, both of which would have a queue a mile long and surrounded by security after the off-licence aws flooded with revellers one year whilst the police just watched. Good luck to anyone brave or foolhardy enough to go but I would rather not attend.
- Squiz, Islington
