Notting Hill Carnival may not be happening on the streets of west London again this year but organisers are looking to keep the festivities alive as they’ve announced a series of events taking place next month!
Between 19th-21st August, three ticketed live shows will be held at Opera Holland Park to “celebrate the culture and heritage of the Carnival” with the people and bands who contribute to the sounds and sights of the iconic event.
Traditional Carnival music will be performed, showcasing the best in Caribbean music alongside traditional opera.
In addition to the shows at Opera Holland Park, there will also be free events taking place at The Tabernacle such as a Mas Costume Showcase, Soca Fridays every Friday for seven weeks and Sound System Sundays every Sunday for eight weeks.
The announcement of the shows and events comes after Notting Hill Carnival was cancelled for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The series of official events in August will help raise money for the Carnival Trust fund, which will assist the Carnival community in bringing Notting Hill Carnival back to the streets next year.
Matthew Phillip, CEO of Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, says, “This series of events and the book play an extremely important role in supporting the bands and participants of Notting Hill Carnival, raising vital financial support to bring Carnival back on the road in 2022 and beyond.
He added: “These events come from the community. They are authentic and the performances are by those that make Notting Hill Carnival so fantastic, many of them for decades. We want to thank them for their support in making these spectacular events. In turn, this will ensure Notting Hill Carnival thrives for many more years”
Tickets for the shows at Opera Holland Park are £10 and go on sale July 28th here.
Check out the line-up of events below!
19 August – Classic Calypso
An evening that highlights the UK Calypso scene featuring artists such as Giselle Carter, G String, Helena B and Alexander D Great. The performances are set against a 6-piece acoustic live band.
20 August – Pan in the Park
An opportunity to bask in the ambience of steelpan with the UK’s leading Steelbands Mangrove and Ebony. Pan in the Park will be the ultimate musical journey from classical to modern contemporary and will feature newly arranged material performed live with Opera Soprano singing sensation Anne Fridal.
21 August – Pan Jazz
An evening of Caribbean Jazz featuring the Engine Room Collective performing with the finest steelpan musicians, Andre White, Leon ‘Foster’ Thomas, Samuel Dubois, Carlene Etienne and Deborah Eden.
1 August – Mas Costume Showcase (The Tabernacle)
Flamboyant displays and performances from some of Notting Hill Carnival’s favourite Mas bands including Mahogany, Fanatics, Creed, Genesis, Hot Wax, Soca Massive and many more to celebrate the culture and history of Carnival.
Soca Fridays (The Tabernacle)
Will take place from 6pm – 10pm every Friday from 30 July. With a selection of Carnival’s best loved Soca DJ’s playing each night including Crediable, Price Vern, QT 2Hype, Waynes James, DJ Bostman, Nassen, DJ Triple M, DJ Tate, DJ Vern, Flagz Sound, Urban Touch and DJ Fats.
Sound System Sundays (The Tabernacle)
Starting on 1 August and each week from 2pm – 6pm a legendary Sound System of Notting Hill Carnival will play an exclusive set. Confirmed performers include Love TKO, 4 Play, Arts A Light, Rough But Sweet, Disya Jeneration, G.I Roadshow and Lord Gellys.
[Image by JessicaGirvan via Shutterstock]