Celebrate the wonders of Carnival

28th-29th August 2011
Notting Hill Carnival 2011


Since the birth of the Notting Hill Carnival in 1964, the festival has become synonymous with cultural unity, and has become a trademark of London celebrating multiculturalism and creativity in the capital. The streets of Notting Hill has attracted millions of global visitors, spectators and masqueraders making this event one of Europe’s largest street parties.

This rich, diverse and highly celebrated two day event originated from the Caribbean island of Trinidad. many if not all, carnival mas traditions from the Island are prominate today. The two day event is infused with the brilliant sounds of the Steel pans, Soca and Calypso combining Jamaican-style static sounds. The spectacle of Carnival is the orginality and design of the costumes of which are intricate, bold, and skilfully constructed, not forgetting the masaqueraders dancing and singing next to the floats who always add to the splendour enhancing the party atmosphere. On the day expect delicious food and a good selection of arts & crafts along the carnival route. Please remain safe and vigilant at all times!

Start 10am finish 7pm

Travel information
Tube: Ladbroke Grove is shut both days. Westbourne Park and Royal Oak are exit-only from 11am-6pm and will close at 6.30pm and 11.30pm respectively on both days, while Notting Hill Gate is exit-only from noon-6.30pm on Sunday and noon-7pm on Monday (all stations have further service restrictions). Bayswater, Paddington, High Street Kensington and other nearby stations, however, offer a regular service, so consider taking a short walk from these. Stations may temporarily close due to overcrowding, so be patient.
Buses: Four express buses will be running specifically for Carnival on both days. Buses 2X, 36X and 436X serve south London and Carnival; 205X serves Aldgate East and Carnival. There will also be extra buses on Monday night.
Driving: Not recommended due to parking restrictions.

Take Part

Interested in become a masaquerader purchase your costumes from the following sites:

Bachanal Mas
http://www-bachanalmas.com/

Burrokeets UK
http://www.burrokeetsuk.com/


Dynasty Entertainment
http://www.dynasty-entertainment.com/

Fox Carnival
http://www.foxcarnival.com/

Masquerade 2000
http://www.m2kmas.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=3

Next Level Poison UK
http://www.poisonuk.com/

Shipwrecked Carnival
http://www.shipwreckedcarnival.com/pages/costumes.html

South Connections
http://www.southconnections.co.uk/

Purelime
http://www.purelime.co.uk/events/11 


The Calo Festival
19th -21st August 2011

The UK’s first three day Carnival event celebrates Arts, Music & Cuisine.

This newly created festival organised by the Notting Hill Mas Band Association (NHMBA), the Next Level PoisonUK & Carnival Village, features elaborate performances by some of the UK’s top costume designers and carnival artists - as well as a dazzling, pre- Notting Hill Carnival costume display. This unique event will enable visitors to experience the wonders of carnival and culture under one roof for the whole family.

Over 25 music artists and bands hailing from both the UK and the Caribbean, will entertain audiences for three days with sounds of Soca, Calypso, Reggae, Salsa, Merengue and R&B. The exciting array of top musical acts include: Machel Montano, Capleton, Maxi Priest, Mr Vegas, Lil Rick, Jah Roots, Gappy Ranks, Roy Cape All-stars and Cuban Latin artists Manolin El Medico. TV chef Rustee Lee, will headline the Worldfoods Caribbean Food, Drink and Lifestyle extravaganza, which in addition to a food market showcasing exotic Caribbean cuisine and free food sampling, will see top Caribbean chefs go head to head in the ‘Battle of the Chefs’ contest.

The festival will also bring a variety of fun-filled, educational innovative workshops which embrace the spirit of Carnival such as; Steel Pan by Ebony Steelband; Moko Jumby (stilt walking), Folk Dances from the Caribbean - Bele Air, Quadrille and Bongo, carnival costume making led by top designers, Soca Aerobics, Zumba Party and drumming. Each workshop will provide a brief history of Caribbean Carnival.

Location: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way,
Wood Green N22 7AY
Tickets: £25 -£40 Weekend pass £60. Concessions 50% off and free admission for children under 12 on Sunday 21st August.
Doors: 08:00 til 03:00
http://calofestival.co.uk/
Lifestyle extravaganza 'where the Caribbean meets London'