Notting Hill Carnival What is a carnival A

Notting Hill Carnival What is a carnival? A carnival is a public celebration or parade which combines parts of circus, mask and public street parties.

What is the Notting Hill Carnival? • Notting Hill is in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea which is an area of London. • The carnival is an annual event which began in 1964. • It is lead by the British Afro-Caribbean community, particularly those from Trinidad and Tobago, in the Caribbean. • The carnival has attracted up to 2 million people – it’s the 2 nd largest street festival in the world!

What happens at the Notting Hill Carnival? • Mas (masquerade) bands Provides the carnival with colour as costumed bands parade along the carnival route. • Steel pans or 'pan' – made from oil drums, steel pans were used by Caribbean performers as a link to their African past. • Calypso music – recognized as the first music of the Caribbean. It used to sing about topical subjects and major events. • Different music is located at various points throughout the carnival route, and keeps everyone dancing throughout the festival.

Notting Hill Carnival: In pictures

Notting Hill Carnival: The food! • The Notting Hill Carnival features hundreds of food stalls. • There is a mix of Caribbean food including jerk chicken, rice and peas and rum punch. • There is a variety of food and drink from all around the world.

Notting Hill Carnival: The music! • There is a huge variety of music and dancing at the carnival. • Historically steel bands, Soca & Calypso music have been at the heart of the Carnival. • In recent years music has become more varied playing anything from Reggae to R&B and house. • Live stages also feature local bands, top international artists and sounds from around the world

Notting Hill Carnival: Quiz time!

Notting Hill Carnival: Quiz time! 1. In which city is the Notting Hill carnival? A) Nottingham B) Notting Hill C) London

Notting Hill Carnival: Quiz time! 2. At what time of year does the carnival normally take place? A) At the end of July B) At the end of August C) At the end of September

Notting Hill Carnival: Quiz time! 3. In which year did the carnival begin? A) 1962 B) 1964 C) 1966

Notting Hill Carnival: Quiz time! 4. Which music is tyically Caribbean? A) Classical B) Cabaret C) Calypso

Notting Hill Carnival: Quiz time! 5. Which of the following is a symbol of the carnival? A) Bright colours B) Sports C) Sunny weather

Notting Hill Carnival: Quiz time! 6. Which of the following is a typical Caribbean food sold at the carnival? A) Rice and beans B) Rice and peas C) Rice and fleas

Notting Hill Carnival: Quiz time! 7. Which metal drums are used at the festival? A) Copper drums B) Iron drums C) Steel drums

Notting Hill Carnival: Quiz time! 8. Have you enjoyed the presentation? A) Yes, it was incredible. B) No, I fell asleep. C) I don’t know…where am I?

The End.

Notting Hill Carnival Activity • In groups of 3 -4 try to create your own carnival/festival. • Here are some examples of things to think of: 1. What does the carnival celebrate? 2. Where is the carnival? 3. When is the carnival? 4. What happens at the carnival? 5. Describe the food, entertainment and people.