Carnival in London turns 50 this year.

Posted: 28th Aug 2009

Before you start asking why isn’t there hype around Carnival here in London turning 50 this year, that is because i am referring to Carnival from when it first started back in 1959 in St Pancras Town Hall, this was the home of the first ever Carnival. Personally, I think this is something that should be celebrated as what we know as Notting Hill Carnival, wouldn’t be what it is today.

Carnival was created as a response to race riots that had taken place in 1958; it was influenced by immigrants from the Caribbean, particularly Trinidad, who were worried about the rising racial tension in the area, as well as the low standard of living and lack of career prospects.

In the late 50s there was  an increased hostility towards the community with attacks on residents  within Notting Hill, the community became even more anxious when in 1959 Kelso Cochrane, an Antiguan was stabbed to death by a gang of white youths, back then known as “Teddy boys”.

The death of Kelso Cochrane and the previous year’s violence is said to have inspired the Notting hill Carnival.

The first Carnival was organised in 1959 by the mother of Notting Hill Carnival, Creator Claudia Jones. During this time carnival was a huge success, despite being held indoors.  The Carnival began as more of a local event but over the years it has grown becoming one of the largest street parties in Europe.

The first Carnival in Notting Hill was when it was first moved outside and was rescheduled to August in 1965. When a local woman known as Rhaune Laslett invited various ethnic groups in Notting Hill to take part in a weeklong event that would end with an August Bank Holiday parade.

Notting Hill Carnival has grown significantly over the years and contributed a considerably amount to London’s economy generating more than £90 million a year and supports up to 3,000 jobs.

Notting Hill Carnival fundamentally brings people from all ages to different backgrounds, uniting them together in celebration of a unique, free and entertaining event.

Written By Nadia Auckburally