The Carnival Village Trust, in conjunction with the UK Calypso & Soca Collective, has launched a series of events celebrating the 60th anniversary of Notting Hill Carnival in the run-up to this year’s festivities.
Staged at The Tabernacle in Powis Square, the programme combines soca and calypso showcases with a Calypso Monarch competition, highlighting the depth of talent within the UK’s Caribbean music community.
The series got underway on Friday 14 August with Soca at the Tab, which attracted a packed audience. Hosted by Smokey Joe, the event featured performances from Swagga Dan, Devine, Caleb Dan, Clifton Medford, Topaz, Daddy Ken, Soca Kid, Bongo Ras Highly and John Blood, with special guest PAE3OT helping to raise the temperature inside the venue.
The celebrations continue this Friday 21 August with Calypso at the Tab, where Lord Cloak, De Admiral, Muffin Man, Rev B, Brown Sugar, Alex D Great and G-String are among those scheduled to perform. Special guest D’Alberto Mighty Congoes will also appear.
The series concludes on Thursday 27 August with the Calypso Monarch Finals, hosted by Martin Jay. Competitors Lord Cloak, De Admiral, Muffin Man, Dame Polly, Rev B, Brown Sugar, Alexander D’ Great and G-String will battle for the coveted title, while Tobago Crusoe is set to make a guest appearance.
Performers throughout the series are backed by Lix & The Workshop Band and The Soca Divettes. All events take place at The Tabernacle, forming part of the wider celebrations marking 60 years of Notting Hill Carnival and underscoring the continuing importance of calypso and soca within the UK’s Carnival culture.
