29/08/2005

Notting Hill Carnival parade to attract over a milion people

Organisers of today's Notting Hill Carnival are expecting over a million people to show up to view the spectacle which is being held in fine weather.

Numbers are expected to be boosted this year as Hyde Park hosts a separate Caribbean themed-showcase featuring live music, films and exhibitions, which is free for families.

The three-day Carnival kicked off on Saturday with the steel band competition, and on Sunday there was the traditional kids carnival. Today people will watch the procession of floats along the route of the Carnival in west London.

Around 10,000 people will take part in the event as 'carnivalists'.

The Notting Hill Carnival was started following race riots in the 1950's as a community venture.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone said: "The Notting Hill Carnival is an event which successfully promotes a fusion of cultures, people and customs and underlines London's position as one of the most exciting cities in the world. It is one of the key events in London's calendar and eagerly anticipated by Londoners, as well as visitors to the capital.

"My office has been supporting Carnival since 2000 and will continue to do so through my 'Carnival London' initiative, which is the first infrastructure, development and investment programme for the carnival arts sector in the capital."

Mr Livingstone said that the Caribbean Showcase in Hyde Park's North Parade was designed to "complement the spirit of Carnival, whilst providing a family-friendly environment for promoting Caribbean arts, culture, enterprise and cuisine."

(SP/KMcA)

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