West End Extra - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Published: 24 August 2007
It’s carnival time in the capital!
WE are pleased to invite every Londoner to come and enjoy the carnival atmosphere across the city this Bank Holiday weekend.
This year’s carnival is set to be bigger and better than ever and marks a new beginning in a partnership working between London Notting Hill Carnival Ltd (LNHC) and the Mayor of London who, in association with the British Association of Steel bands (BAS), will be hosting Panorama in Hyde Park.
Panorama, on Saturday, will see nine of the UK’s top steelbands competing for the title of National Champions of Steel. The bands will be joined by the winners of Rotterdam’s Battle of the Drums, as part of this free musical extravaganza in the park.
On Sunday and Monday, Europe’s biggest street party will see spectacular masquerade costumes and musicians take to the processional route, showcasing the multicultural splendour of the capital.
This year the theme is Set All Free. This celebrates the bi-centenary of the abolition of the slave trade, as well as remembering that slavery continues in many forms across the world.
According to a London Development Agency report, the carnival is worth around £90 million to the economy and celebrates London’s diversity through music and masquerade.
We therefore hope that all Londoners will come to see the 30 million sequins, breathtaking costumes, colourful floats, world class steel bands, pumping sound systems, and enjoy the mouthwatering, delicious Caribbean food that is the spirit of the carnival season. CHRIS MULLARD
Chair, London Notting Hill Carnival Ltd
KEN LIVINGSTONE
Mayor of London
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