N OT T I N G H I L L
CARNIVA L
2012
We l c o m e t o Europe’s biggest street party Bank Holiday August 26 and 27
INSIDE: OUR 16-PAGE SPECIAL! CUT OUT AND KEEP CARNIVAL ROUTE MAP DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF THIS AMAZING EVENT
YOUR GUIDE TO THE BANDS PERFORMING THIS YEAR FANTASTIC PHOTO SPREAD
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NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL 2012
THE VOICE AUGUST 23 - 29, 2012
COLOURFUL: One of the many spectacular costumes that will be on show at the Notting Hill Carnival this Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday.
CARNIVAL ROUTE: Your cut out and keep guide to the Notting Hill Carnival route.
London gets ready for Notting Hill Carnival weekend
Two day Caribbean-style festivities start Sunday By Cheyenne Bunsie
I
t’s almost August bank holiday weekend and that means the capital is once again gearing up to host Europe’s biggest street festival, the Notting Hill Caribbean Carnival. Steel bands, costumes, food stalls, sound systems and hundreds of thousands of spectators will take to the streets of west London in a colorful, energetic procession that has become a tradition and cultural melting pot for all to enjoy. Over million visitors are expected over the two days. After the euphoria of the Olympics being held on home soil, much of London are still riding a wave of good will and are eager to celebrate the summer of drama, joy and pride we’ve had so far. Mayor of London Boris Johnson has echoed these sentiments: “With London's spirit at an all time high what a perfect occasion for a street party! Notting Hill Carnival brings together thousands of people from across the city and is a highlight in the international cultural calendar. The friendly carnival atmosphere will surely get
everyone in the mood for welcoming the world's Paralympians in a few days time.” The police are expected to be briefed in the coming days on Notting Hill Carnival with last year’s procession seeing 5,500 officers on duty on carnival Sunday, and 6,500 on Monday. In addition 4,000 additional officers were placed on duty across London. A police helicopter has been made available to manage crowd safety and density, as well as help to deter crime and disorder. Mounted Branch horses will also be on duty over the weekend, with 10 on Sunday and 30 expected for Monday. As this is an Olympic year many have felt the presence of additional security over the course of the Games. The carnival policing for 2012 will come under the umbrella of the wider Olympic policing plan that may include minor variations. As late as six months ago the future of the Notting Hill Carnival looked in doubt as it was left without an official management committee or major sponsor. The five ‘arts areas’ – the mas, calypso, steel bands, mobile
sound systems and static sound systems – were made to set up an interim board, the Carnival Steering Group Collaboration Agreement. The Voice spoke to Vincent John, the chairman of the steering group and secretary for the newly established London Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises Trust. He detailed a number of changes that will be coming into force this year under the new
committee, including the first time use of an events management company, responsible for staging and infrastructure, to improve the quality of the street festival. Mr John commended the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea for their support as well as the Mayor’s office and the GLA who have funded all stewarding required for the event. When asked about the issues around laying the new founda-
tions for carnival the chairman said: “The level of sponsorship has got to increase for future years. It is only then that we can adopt our own social enterprise approach to carnival to enhance and be sustainable over the next five to ten years.” The new committee has managed to secure funding for the next three years, despite not having sponsoring for this year and continue to encourage a positive attitude towards the
Notting Hill Carnival. Traditionally, Carnival Sunday is known as children’s day which will showcase the many costume bands for young revelers with moms and dads while Monday is adults day. The Carnival Bands will take to the roads from around 9 am on Sunday and the same time on Bank Holiday Monday. The Carnival parade should complete its procession by 7.00 pm each day.
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NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL 2012
Genesis band goes for Olympic Games theme By Cheyenne Bunsie
ALL SMILES: Costume band members on the road at Notting Hill carnival.
Burrokeets pay tribute to Trinidad and Tobago 50 Carnival band’s ‘Golden Portrait’ theme will be anniversary celebration special
By Cheyenne Bunsie
T
HE BURROKEETS are one of the biggest bands to ever play at Notting Hill carnival, and this year the 175 strong collective are to celebrate Trinidad and Tobago’s 50th anniversary with a presentation titled ‘A Golden Portrait’. Choice FM DJ Martin Jay has spoken about the upcoming presentation, detailing what is to be expected by festival goers. Based on major events in Trinidad and Tobago’s history as well as places that stand out, the four sections will include a tribute to the Soca Warriors of the 2006 world cup, and to the East Indian mixture that help make up the Caribbean nation. As the host of Choice FM’s weekly Sunday night show “Caribbean Affair”, two hours dedicated to playing the best in soca and calypso, Jay is no stranger to the bands of Notting Hill and around the world, and he is passionate about the Burrokeets and what it means to be involved with
celebrating Trinidad’s 50th year of independence. “It’s a great tribute to Trinidad and Tobago, although I’m not Trinidadian it’s been a big part of my life. The Burrokeets band has been going for 22 years and originates from Belmont in Trinidad, so it was something that I wanted to do from last year and I’m really happy we’ve been able to pull it off and make it happen and say happy birthday to T ‘n T.” The veteran DJ, like many others is anticipating the party atmosphere which comes with Europe’s biggest street festival is a further reason to celebrate and appears to only elevate proceedings. “Carnival weekend itself is a few days before the anniversary of Independence and I think that when the band goes on the road it’ll be a huge celebration of that anniversary.” With one of the biggest soca DJ’s in the world, Dr Jay from Toronto, set to perform on the truck, the Burrokeets are certainly ready to put on a spectacle at Notting Hill carnival this year.
IN A JAM: It’s party time as costume band members take to streets of Notting Hill for the annual carnival.
ESTABLISHED IN 1980 by Vernon Williams, one of the founding members of Notting Hill Carnival in 1964, Genesis Carnival Company have built a strong reputation of being hugely committed to bringing carnival art to London. The band has been the recipients of special community awards for achievement and commitment to Notting Hill Carnival in both 1986 and 1991, as well as a Windrush award in 2000. The glittering array of costumes Genesis is known for has been featured in a number of television programmes for the BBC, ITV and Channel Four. Since the passing of Vernon Williams in 2002 his daughter, Symone, has steered Genesis and is the designer of the costumes for the band and along with a supporting team, makes each costume for the huge collective that contains 100 adults and 50 children. At this year’s Carnival, one of London’s most historical bands will come together to engage with London’s present Olympic heritage in a tribute titled ‘Olympia – The ancient city of the games.’ The Voice spoke to Symone about the upcoming presentation and she detailed the amount of research that had gone into being able to capture the Greek city where the first Olympic Games were held. The five sections will represent Olympic warriors as well as pay tribute to torchbearers and gold medalists. Symone ensures that the carnival element is brought to their Greek interpretation through the traditional embellishments and headdresses that are common costumes style. It has not all been smooth for Genesis, however, as like other bands this year they have lost sponsors. Yet Symone is determined that these issues can be solved by looking at other avenues, and she is already in the process of gaining a new sponsor. Looking ahead to the weekend itself, Symone says: “Carnival will be the closing ceremony for London’s season of festivities. Notting Hill always puts on a great show and the bands put in a lot of work. I’m excited to get on the road.”
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NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL 2012
THE VOICE AUGUST 23 - 29, 2012
SOCA TIME: A DJ pumps out non-stop soca music to revellers at Notting Hill carnival.
TIME TO JUMP: This costume band member gets in carnival mood in Notting Hill.
Poison UK will party despite sponsorship woes By Cheyenne Bunsie
P
OISON UK is one of Notting Hill Carnival’s most popular and recognisable attractions. Made up of three floats of good vibes and some of the most renowned Caribbean performers appearing year after year, the band has become an institution at the street festival. This year Poison is celebrating 10 years of entertaining crowds at Notting Hill and a spectacular show has been planned, with two of the three floats to be transformed into moving stages for the performers; including Trinidadian Soca/Dancehall star Swappi, and Bajan Soca artiste Lil Rick, amongst others. Poison UK will also be involved in a carnival concert to celebrate its 10-year anniversary on Friday August 24 in Shepherd’s Bush, with an
after party taking place in Vauxhall until 8 a.m. The summer of 2012 has seen a successful Olympic Games held in London, with Caribbean athletes triumphing with world records and gold medals across the board, and in some cases dominating events. Yet for Poison UK director Wendel Clement, the Olympics have had a somewhat different effect. Clement describes the Olympics as an ‘anti climax in terms of business’, with many festival bands suffering as their sponsors have given less or no sponsorship at all due to the rechanneling of funds towards the Games. Despite claims by many Londoners that the Games, which cost a reported £9.3 billion, were money well spent, the Poison UK director is unconvinced.
Clement lamented that the Government’s warning for people to stay away from the main commercial hubs in order to avoid chaos on the public transportation system and city attractions resulted in many businesses losing out. Looking ahead to Carnival weekend, however, the band director has called for more communication between the police and those participating in the carnival. “The police need to understand what they’re doing, there is not enough briefing taking place.” As for the future of carnival itself Clement would love to see more people in costume, one of the traditional elements of carnival, and believes that this can be achieved through marketing. “There is a saying that ‘If you’re not in costume you’re nobody’ and that trend needs to start here.”
NOTTING HILL CARNIVA L 2012
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Carniriv
The Port Harcourt Carnival RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA December 10th-15th, 2012 The Port Harcourt Carnival (CARNIRIV) is the convergence and display of Rivers State’s cultural heritage from the 23 Local Government Areas, amongst color, fun and grandeur.
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NOTTING HILL CARNIVA L 2012
NOTTING HILL CARNIVA L 2012
Contingents from various Local Government Areas striving Contingents from various Local Government Areas striving to outdisplays do theofnext in their of culture and creativity to out do the next in their culture and displays creativity
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- His Ex Rivers S Enchanting dance by the locals, uplifting drumbeats Enchanting dance by the locals, uplifting drumbeats A serene atmosphere and an-embodiment of peace and unity. A serene atmosphere and an embodiment of peace and unity.
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Experience Rivers The International Aquatic Festival is a sight to behold, with the long canoe decorated with buntings, flags and a number of paddlers in their set attires swinging in rhythm to the drumming on board. It is a symbol of political authority and wealth of each chieftaincy or war canoe house.
Carniriv, a festival of Rivers State showcases its diverse and multicultural past and present. It is a vivid spectacle of fantastic live music ranging from modern to traditional uplifting beats, soca floats, steel bands, dance and beautiful costumes, exotic food stalls and the International Aquatic Festival to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people. Carniriv draws participation from all over Nigeria and the Diaspora. It is regarded as one of Nigeria’s biggest and richest cultural event.Visitors and citizens pour into Port Harcourt, host city of Carniriv every year eager to explore the abundant rich culture converging in the city. The cultural dancers, performers, beautiful intricate masquerades, artistes and celebrities coming together for this absolutely unique festival make Carniriv a melting pot of culture in its most elaborate form.
AIM Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi his wife during Carniriv “Our Mission is to serve our people with humility and render transparent and accountable stewardship anchored on integrity and good governance. We shall use our God given resources to improve the quality of life of our present and future generations, and empower our people in a peaceful, just and harmonious society under God.” - His Excellency, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (CON)- Executive Governor, Rivers State
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Concept and Marketing by ZMirage and The Klub International Management Company Design by Yibs Ensemble
NOTTING HILL CARNIVA L 2012
Port Harcourt, the Garden City known for its beautiful layout and decent en ironment, brings you a festi al e ery hristmas lled with fun packed activities for all ages and vocations. The city has excellent and affordable hotels close to the festivities with easy transportation to and from the city locations. Come to an unexpected place. A place where untapped potential thrives, with a welcoming culture that’s fresh and dynamic, It’s a a place where you will be inspired to be a part of something big, with one vision - to make tomorrow’s dream, today’s reality.
Our Culture, Our Pride
PORT HARCOURT
100 EDITION
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: River State Tourism Development Agency 11 IRIEBE STR, D-LINE PORT HARCOURT info@rstda.org www.rstda.org www.carnirivnigeria.com
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL 2012
AUGUST 23 - 29, 2012 THE VOICE
Caribbean Food Week gets in the Carnival mood
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SOME LIKE IT HOT: A vendor servers up some tasty jerk chicken.
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race Foods UK has launched the first Caribbean Food Week, to celebrate the growing popularity of the exotic cuisine and encourage more Brits to try a taste of the Caribbean. Taking place from August 20 – 27, Caribbean Food Week will help revellers get into the spirit of the Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s biggest street festival, which takes place Sunday and Monday bank holiday weekend. Brits are increasingly looking for new and exciting flavours. Tasty Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken, curried goat, callaloo and ackee & salt fish, as well as tempting Caribbeanthemed desserts like coconut panna cotta, are perfect and sales of Caribbean food and drink in the UK have increased by 20% in the last year, with more stores paying attention to a dedicated Caribbean range offering in store.
YUM, YUM HOT FROM THE DRUM: It wouldn’t be Notting Hill without the tasty food.
During Caribbean Food Week, shoppers at selected Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons stores will be able to try delicious samples of exciting Caribbean food. Grace Foods, the UK’s number one Caribbean Food and Drink company, will be helping customers to embrace this delicious cuisine and make their own tasty dishes at home with easy-to-follow recipe cards available in selected supermarkets, on magazine adverts and on Facebook. The Facebook page will have a handy guide to Caribbean ingredients and how to use them.
The growth in popularity of Caribbean food is part of a British love affair with all things Caribbean, with the islands being voted our ideal holiday destination in a recent survey and exciting summer events, such as carnivals, taking place across the country. Ryan Mack, Managing Director of Grace Foods UK, said: “Millions of people are already eating and drinking Caribbean products regularly, but we want to really encourage
people to sample the wonderfully diverse flavours of food and drink from the region and try exciting new recipes at home. “We can’t rely on the weather, but the UK’s first Caribbean Food Week will definitely brighten things up in the kitchen this summer!” Look out for Grace Foods UK’s Caribbean products in the World Foods aisles in Sainsbury’s and Tesco and in specialist stores.
‘Like’ Caribbean Food Week on Facebook for news, recipes and details of where you can try samples: www.facebook.com/caribbeanfoodweek Twitter - @CaribbeanFoodWk
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NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL 2012
AUGUST 23 - 29, 2012 THE VOICE
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Blue Plaque to honour Notting Hill’s pioneering
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WO BLUE heritage plaques will be unveiled at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival to honour the pioneering fathers of Europe’s largest street festival. The Nubian Jak Community Trust, Britain’s first black owned heritage scheme, are responsible for the tributes to commemorate Russell Henderson and Leslie Palmer on Friday, August 24 at
Tavistock Road, London W11. The names of these pioneers are perhaps now unknown to modern carnival attendees, but both men helped to shape the legendary street festival into the calendar event that it is today. In the summer of 1965 Ms Rhuane Laslett, a community worker, organized a week-long multi-cultural festival called the
PIONEER: Leslie Palmer opened Notting Hill Carnival to a wider audience.
PAN MAN: Russell Henderson playing pan during Notting Hill Carnival 1995.
Notting Hill Fayre. The fayre extended a welcome to various ethnic and cultural groups with steel bands and other musicians being well-received elements of the celebration. Russell Henderson, one of the musicians invited to play at the fayre, suggested taking the music to the streets as a way to combat the apparent fatigue that had set in as a result of playing all day. Henderson put his idea into action immediately and set off, pan in tow, towards Holland Park and back. That walk became a part of history as it set into motion what would later be known as the Notting Hill Carnival. The Notting Hill Fayre ran once more the following year, growing in size and popularity until it became an annual Caribbean celebration held over August bank holiday weekend. The Fayre at its peak attracted crowds of up to 1,000, and with the arrival of local teacher Leslie Palmer, the template for what the world would know as Notting Hill Carnival was born. Palmer became the Director of Notting Hill Carnival in 1973 and instantly realized the carnival had the potential to reach a wider audience. This led to the inclusion of local Jamaican sound systems and black music bands having the opportunity to play on carnival street corners for the very first time. Palmer also encouraged traditional carnival costumery aka – Mas(querade) and invited them to join proceedings. It was also the first year steel bands and costume bands
ELDERLY REVELLER: This seasoned female reveller shows that age is no obstacle as she parties away in her carnival costume in Notting Hill.
from a number of different islands took part in carnival, with more additions taking place the year after in the form of stalls and stewards. The following few years of Palmer’s directorship saw rapid progress as Radio London and Capital Radio began broadcasting from the festival, signaling a turning point in terms of commercialisation for the event. Palmer’s term as director lasted only three years but in that time he elevated the street festival to such a level that by the time he left to work at Island Records in late 1975, the capital event was attracting in excess of 500,000 people. Notting Hill Carnival is now
second only to Brazil’s Rio carnival, as the largest street festival in Europe. The festival has served the country well as it was used as one of the selling points to assist London being awarded the Olympic Games by the IOC in 2005. With past tributes to the Mothers of Notting Hill such as Claudia Jones, this year’s plaques will present two more inspiration figures to be remembered and celebrated. Founder of the Nubian Jak Commemorative Plaque Scheme Jak Beula said: ìThere are so many people who have played an important part in the evolution of Notting Hill Carnival. It is fitting that in 2012
‘The Notting Hill Fayre grew in size and popularity until it became an annual Caribbean celebration held over August Bank Holiday weekend’
when the eyes of the world are on London, the capital’s best known festival should honour and recognize two of its most influential pioneers Russell Henderson and Leslie Palmer.î The scheme, initiated by Beula with the aim of commemorating historical black figures, has also been responsible for the plaques given to Bob Marley in 2004 in Camden. The organization have erected 15 plaques in total across the UK, with funding through donations and from sales of the Nubian Jak board game, which highlights famous black people through trivia questions. The commemorative blue plaques are supported by London Notting Hill Carnival Enterprise Trust, the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, the UK Centre for Carnival Arts and Carnival Village. The plaque unveiling will take place on Tavistock Road (aka Carnival Square), London W11 IAR on Friday 24th August at 1pm. The ceremony will be followed by a reception at The Tabernacle, Powis Square W11 2AY (5 minutes walk from Carnival Square).
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IT’S CARNIVAL…
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL 2012
FUN TIME: Even the police can’t keep their eyes off the costumes.
TIME TO PARTY!
GET FLAT: Notting Hill revellers get down to the beat.
SKIMPY: Not much left for the imagination.
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL 2012
AUGUST 23 - 29, 2012 THE VOICE
KIDDIES DAY: Young revellers enjoy the street party in Notting Hill.
WINE UP ON IT: This policeman gets a soca lesson.
YELLOW CANARY: Yellow is the theme for this Notting Hill reveller.
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