Wednesday 2nd August: Notting Hill Carnival 2017 launch

August signifies the final count-down to Notting Hill Carnival, which is my favourite weekend of the year!  Friday night was the official opening party with performances from Ebony Steel Pan with Eternity Percussion, different dance routines and costume display by Sunshine Arts .  Here you can see the traditional mas characters including The Midnight Robber and Pierrot Grenade, made using the Trinidad tinsel braiding that I LOVE.  A theme to the night was honouring the recent events to the local Grenfell community with a Calypso tribute by Alexander D Great.

Follow the Carnival Arts & Masquerade Foundation on Instagram to see my photos from Trinidad Carnival earlier this year and what will follow in London later this month.

Wednesday 31st August: Notting Hill Carnival, Children's Parade, Sunday

My personal highlights from the Children's Parade at Notting Hill Carnival on Sunday including (top to bottom)  Burrokeets in blue,  Ebony Steel Pan, Sunshine Arts "All Ah We IS oNe" in rainbow, Elimu "Rise of the Phoenix" in silver and gold, 2 unknown, Mahogany's "London Belongs To Me" theme, South Connections "The Big Screen" Bugz Life & Mignons, the opening drummers, Calabash Short Knee Masqueraders from Greneda 

Thursday 11th August: Notting Hill Carnival 2016, Mas - Sunshine International Arts

Following last year's theme of "Oil Slick" , Sunshine International Arts have shed the black tarred feathers and grown new wings of multi-colour mas-colour spectrums for "all Ah We IS oNE".

"After all the struggles and strife of war.... we leave it behind us and sail to a better future filled with love, hope, peace and unity.....

Our faces reflect all emotion and all colours.  We are not of one colour but are mixed.

No Black!  No White!  No yellow!  No Red!

No distinguishable colour forces itself to the forefront.

Our people are colour bright and beautiful.   A rainbow of love.

Live and let live - all Ah We IS oNE.  All Ah We share one pure unadulterated heart!"

Here you can see hints and details of the large scale face costumes which will indicate the message of "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil".  All of this preperation will come together as full looks complete with trimmed accessories on bank holiday weekend.  Keep your eye out for the rainbow in amongst the parade and remember it's the award-winning Sunshine Arts International.......... or get involved with a hands-on experience of helping make the costumes at their events schedule here.