The History and Evolution of Notting Hill Carnival

Ahhh man. First of all, congratulations. If you're lucky enough to attend the Notting Hill Carnival, you're in for a cultural master class like no other. This event spans over three days and is based mainly around the Ladbroke Grove and Notting Hill area. It includes pre-carnival parties the day before, such as the Panorama Steel Pan party, followed by kids day and adult day. The original concept of the carnival emerged from the aftermath of race riots in the area many moons ago. It was a concession to allow the growing West Indian population to celebrate their culture, drawing in concepts from their home countries or islands, which includes music, dancing, floats, parties, and food. The emphasis on food cannot be overstated; you'll have a chance to sample some of the most amazing types of food and desserts.

The Cultural Background

The Notting Hill Carnival is a rich and vibrant celebration that has evolved over the years. It originated from the community in the early 70s, a time when the area was much poorer and more bohemian. The population was about one third West Indian, with significant numbers of Irish, Spanish, Moroccan, and white English people. This diverse community coexisted peacefully, each living parallel lives. However, the pubs in the area were strictly segregated by ethnic group.

During the late 60s and early 70s, the carnival was cheerful and shambolic, with only two or three steel bands on floats. The floats were open-topped lorries with people dancing along behind them in a stepping shuffle. Each float started from its home base, usually a church, and drifted around the streets. This created a chaotic and fun atmosphere. Parents were not hesitant to let their children wander off and explore, as evidenced by the author's childhood experiences of going on adventures with friends from their street.

Expansion and Growth

With each passing year, the carnival grew significantly. In 1974, some of the house parties coalesced into daytime street parties, with sound systems set up on All Saints Road around Powis Square and elsewhere. The first time the author saw and heard toasting, performed by a Jamaican Deejay, was in the mid-70s. By 1976, the carnival had taken on the shape it has now, with a prearranged route for the floats going around the periphery, and various sound systems scattered around the inside. The floats still played soca or calypso music, and the static sound systems played reggae. Dancing crews started following their floats in fancy dress, and the area remained unbarriered and unified.

Navigating the Carnival

Being part of the Notting Hill Carnival can be a vibrant and exciting experience, but it's important to be aware of the crowds and potential risks. Conflicts and fights occasionally occur, especially in the evenings, so it's recommended to stay with friends and be cautious. Public drinking is tolerated, but drugs are still illegal. Bathrooms and toilets can be difficult to find and are often expensive and not very clean, so it's best to plan accordingly. Transportation within the area is poor, so having comfortable walking and dancing shoes is essential, along with a planned entry and exit route.

The Author's Personal Experience

The author, born and raised just off Talbot Road, has been attending the carnival since 1971. The area was much poorer and more bohemian in the early 70s, with a mix of West Indian, Irish, Spanish, Moroccan, and white English people living there. Pubs were segregated by ethnic group, and the carnival was a local event with West Indians of all ages as the majority of the crowd. The author recalls being excited and proud when a riot in 1976 was featured in the news, and even recalls a quirky memory from 1977 of punks pogoing in front of the float he was following.

As the area gentrified and became less West Indian, the carnival changed with it. By the late 80s, the author was no longer following the floats but instead gravitated towards the static sound systems, which played music the youth actually liked. This era was exciting and edgy, but there was now a certain race-based animosity. In the 80s, the carnival joy peaked for the author and his friends, with parents absent and friends joining for a three-day party. Since then, the carnival has grown into a monumental event, with some barriers enforcing a rigid distinction between performers and spectators, which the author misses.

If you find yourself in Notting Hill during the Carnival, be sure to visit Tavistock Road, a smaller street with large sound systems and different types of music. You can dance with random strangers and have a good time. Remember, the Notting Hill Carnival is a place where history, culture, and community come together in celebration.

Keywords: Notting Hill Carnival, cultural celebration, London festival