Glitter at the ready because the August bank holiday and the suspense building for the Notting Hill Carnival is upon us. Bringing a sparkle to West London, this iconic carnival will take to the streets of Notting Hill, filling them with colour and costumes, and an eclectic mix of music genres centre stage. Born out of the racial tensions in North Kensington towards those now known as the Windrush generation of Commonwealth-born citizens, largely from the Caribbean, the carnival is now a celebration of the diversity and community. This year marks a special celebration as the carnival coincides with the 75th anniversary of the generation.
 
The history of the carnival can be traced back to a children’s street fayre organised by resident and community activist Rhaune Laslett to ease racial tension following the murder of Antiguan-born carpenter and aspiring lawyer Kelso Cochrane. Igniting community through creativity, sharing food, and dancing, due to the hard work of residents and activists such as Laslett, who hoped for an equal future, the carnival is now in its 55th edition. It is one of the world’s biggest street parties and is the largest in Europe. Covering a vast area, there is plenty going on across the three days – be sure to follow the parade, look out for the live bands and rise early and break into the day with the traditional Caribbean launch to the weekend, J’Ouvert.