Steeling the carnival show

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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.